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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

HARPERSVILLE — After having to forfeit back-to-back games, the Coosa Valley Rebels made their return to the gridiron in front of their home fans as they took on the Lakeside Chiefs.

In the end though, Coosa Valley’s search for a second victory continued in a 46-6 loss to Lakeside on Oct. 18 at Coosa Valley Academy.

The Chiefs wasted little time getting on the board, reeling off a 71-yard rushing touchdown a minute into the game to lead 7-0.

After Coosa Valley punted the ball away, Lakeside embarked on a five-minute drive and reached the end zone once again off a 3-yard rush, making the lead 13-0 after the failed 2-point try.

The Chiefs tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter, first on the ground with 10 minutes left in the half and then through the air with three minutes left in the second.

Both extra points were good, and that gave Lakeside a 27-0 lead going into halftime.

That lead grew to 33-0 just two minutes into the second half with a passing touchdown from the Chiefs offense.

The Coosa Valley attack got on the board after that thanks to Landon Payton. His 7-yard rushing touchdown cut the deficit to 33-6 with three minutes left in the third.

However, Lakeside responded with two rushing touchdowns in the final three minutes of the quarter, putting the Chiefs up 46-6.

Lakeside held that lead through the end of the third period and until the final whistle to secure the 40-point win.

Payton paced the Rebels on the ground with 17 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. He was also 7-for-19 in the air for 83 yards while giving up two interceptions.

Jake McArthur also made a 35-yard pass for his lone completion in two attempts.

Jordin Rogers was Coosa Valley’s top receiver with five catches for 50 yards. McArthur caught two passes for 36 yards and Andrew Weaver took his only reception for 35 yards.

Over on defense, Rhett Johnson grabbed a team-high eight tackles. Kai Santiago earned four tackles, Payton had three tackles and McArthur secured a pair as well.

In addition, Braxton Lightner got his team’s lone sack of the night.

The 1-7 Rebels will finish out the 2024 season on Oct. 25 with a road trip to Meadowview Christian.