CRYSTAL SPRINGS – The Lawrence County Cougars hammered theCrystal Springs Tigers 43-0 in Division 7-4A high school footballaction Friday night. In a dominating performance, Lawrence Countyoutgained Crystal Springs 373-11 in total offense, picking up 21first downs compared to the Tigers’ three. Four different Cougarstallied touchdowns, with quarterback LaQuan Hilliard scoringthree.

With the win, Lawrence County improved to 3-5 overall, and 1-1 inDivision 7-4A play. Crystal Springs, coached by Johnny Young, fellto 1-7 overall, and 0-2 in the division.

“We had a good night, and we needed a good night,” saidseventh-year Lawrence County coach Mike Davis. “We’ve still gothigh goals for this season, and tonight was a good start. We wantto finish the regular season strong.”

Davis’ Cougars played strong on Friday, dominating Crystal Springsfrom the outset. LCHS drove 50 yards in 6 plays, scoring on a2-yard keeper by quarterback LaQuan Hilliard. The drive was set upby a 45-yard kickoff return by Glenn Wells, Jr. Trevor Havis kickedthe extra point for a 7-0 Cougar lead.

Late in the first quarter, Havis launched a 49-yard punt thatpinned Crystal Springs on its 1-yard line. On the next play,Lawrence County defensive tackle Calvin Dixon tackled Tigerquarterback Jamario Benson for a safety, making it 9-0.

That play summed up the offensive night for Crystal Springs. TheTigers managed just 11 yards of total offense, and just 3 firstdowns. Thirteen of Crystal Springs’ 26 offensive plays resulted inlosses. Crystal Springs’ offense got across midfield just once inthe game.

“That’s got to be a record for our defense,” Davis said. “Any timeyou hold an opponent scoreless, the defense has had a good night.To limit them to so few yards and first downs is a credit to Coach(Jay) Livingston and his guys.”

Early in the second quarter, Hilliard ran 10 yards for a touchdown.He passed 25 yards to fullback William Turnage to set up the score.That made it 16-0. Late in the half, Alexander Montgomery raced 9yards for a score, making it 22-0 at the half.

Lawrence County amassed 332 rushing yards. Russell led the way with120 yards on 18 carries. Montgomery (13-93), Hilliard (14-69), andTurnage (4-51) also had productive nights.

The second half was much like the first, with Lawrence Countyscoring on all three of its offensive possessions, while CrystalSprings had almost no offensive success. First, Hilliard capped a7-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Shortly thereafter, ablocked punt set up Russell’s 7-yard scoring run. In the fourthquarter, Turnage burst up the middle for a 17-yard score.

Benson led Crystal Springs with 17 yards for 8 carries.

Lawrence County will return home Friday, hosting South Pike.Crystal Springs will host Port Gibson.