COLUMBIA -“Defense” was the key word in Columbia Friday, as the Columbia Wildcats claimed a 27-8 Region 7-4A win over the Lawrence County Cougars. Columbia intercepted five LCHS passes, recovered two Cougar fumbles, and scored two defensive touchdowns en route to the important region win.

With the win, Walter Denton’s Wildcats improved to 7-2 overall and 4-0 in Region 7-4A play, with only a region game against McComb remaining. The win was the Tigers’ seventh straight after two season-opening losses. Lawrence County, under first-year coach Herbert Davis, fell to 4-6 overall, and 1-3 in Region 7-4A games.

LaJerrick Medious and C.J. Newsome accounted for six of Columbia’s seven takeaways. Medious recovered a fumble and intercepted two Will Jackson passes, returning one of them for 20 yards and a touchdown. Newsome had three pass interceptions. Savon Lewis scooped up an LCHS fumble and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown.

Columbia opened the game with a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Rashad Pittman scored on a two-yard run, and Eric Speights kicked the extra point, to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead. After that, nine consecutive possessions ended with no points scored, as Lawrence County’s defense made a fine showing of its own.

Late in the first half, after a 42-yard Bryson Medious punt return gave the Wildcats excellent field position, Tomaz Conerly scored on a one-yard run. Conerly had a solid night, rushing for 105 yards on 17 carries. Columbia led 14-0 at halftime.

Lawrence County’s defense kept the Cougars in the game in the first half, but an offensive disaster spelled doom for LCHS in the second half. Lawrence County opened the second half with its best drive to that point, moving as far as the Columbia 22-yard line. That’s where Savon Lewis picked up a Laderrick McCray fumble and raced 78 yards to make it a 21-0 game.

Late in the third quarter, the Cougars completed a 79-yard drive with a Will Jackson-to-Tony Maye 15-yard touchdown pass. A 27-yard reception by Gabraun Smith helped to set it up. T-Tez Cole ran for two points, cutting Columbia’s lead to 21-8.

Midway through the fourth quarter, LaJerrick Medious picked off a Jackson pass and raced 20 yards for the final points of the night.

Barry Davis had four pass receptions for Columbia. Maye had three grabs for Lawrence County. Cole led the Cougars in rushing with 45 yards on six carries.

Lawrence County will close out its 2013 season this Friday, hosting Purvis.