Chambers takes crown in Homecoming victory over No. 1 Lowndes
BY KATIE MCELVY
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — Chambers faced its toughest AISA opponent to date on Homecoming Friday as an undefeated Lowndes rolled into town to challenge the Rebels. Prior to visiting Chambers, Lowndes had outscored its opponents 192-42 and had not allowed more than 14 points in any game. The Chambers Rebels knew they had to play a physical game, capitalize on Lowndes’ mistakes and contain the running game to walk away victorious, and they managed to excel in all of those areas.
Peyton Yerta burst open the game in the first play from scrimmage running the ball all the way to the 5 yard line, but Chambers faltered in the red zone and turned the ball over on downs. Nearing the end of the first quarter with the game still scoreless, Tucker Thrower booted a punt inside the Lowndes five. Lowndes fumbled the ball out of the back of the endzone, giving Chambers a safety and a 2-0 lead.
Chambers then strung together a scoring drive highlighted by a 17 yard quarterback keeper by Hunter Andrews and a hardnosed push to the 3 yard line by Yerta. Jack Nelms punched in the touchdown, and the Rebels led 8-0.
Chambers’ offense was unable to find the endzone again the first half, but they didn’t need to with outstanding play by the Rebel defense. With passes being batted down by Eli Whorton, Gabe Bridges, Jacob Bradley, and Spencer Newman, tackles for a loss by Kent Nelson, an interception in the endzone by Yerta, and constant pressure on the quarterback, Lowndes went into the locker room at the half scoreless as Chambers led 8-0.
Trey Tigner intercepted the ball in the first series of the second half. Yerta got a 48-yard run to put Chambers in scoring position, and Whorton scored the 15-yard touchdown to extend Chambers’ lead 14-0.
Colton Fuller intercepted the ball at the Lowndes 15 to set up another Chambers touchdown. The Kaisen Nix PAT was good, and Chambers led 21-0.
Troy Elliott recovered a fumble, and Whorton ran the ball 30 yards to set up the Yerta TD to make the final score 27-0.
“It was a big night for the team in a great environment,” said head coach JasonAllen. “It was a statement win for the Rebels. Hats off to coach NeSmith and the defense for shutting out a high-scoring offense with a premier back in the league. He has done an amazing job with our guys this year, and they are playing at another level. Special teams were great as well. Tucker Thrower had a big night punting with a 70 yarder to flip field position and one downed inside the five as well. Kaisin Nix did a great job on kickoffs keeping the ball away from their top threat. Offensively, we had too many turnovers and penalties, but we overcame those with a dominant performance from our offensive line. Yerta had a big night rushing the ball. Hunter Andrews had some good runs and is starting to get more comfortable in our offense.”
Andrews was four for eight for 66 yards passing. Aiden Tilley was the top receiver with 43 yards on three receptions.
On the ground, Yerta led the way with 146 yards on 11 carries.
Defensively, Kent Nelson, Drew Sheppard and Colton Fuller each recorded seven tackles with Gabe Bridges and Bryce Modling collecting five each.
Next up, the Rebels will travel to Fort Dale for another AAA matchup.
