The Lamar 8th-grade football team traveled to face Copperas Cove Junior High on September 9th, falling 44-28 in a high-scoring season opener.

Copperas Cove built an early 14-0 lead, but the Bearcats rallied before halftime. Channing Brown sparked the comeback with an explosive 50-yard touchdown run, followed by a highlight-reel 60-yard score on a hitch route from quarterback Greyson Ross to Camden Grant, tying the game 14-14 at the break.

Turnovers proved costly in the second half, as the Bearcats gave the ball away three times. Ross kept Lamar in striking distance with a 1-yard touchdown plunge to make it 28-22, but defensive stops were hard to come by as the Bulldawgs pushed their lead to two scores. Jafari Bennett provided a late spark with a blazing 70-yard rushing touchdown, but additional turnovers ultimately sealed the contest.

Camden Grant earned Offensive Player of the Game for his explosive playmaking, while Channing Brown took home Defensive Player of the Game honors.

Lamar will host rival Travis Middle School on September 15th at Brad Dusek Field.