Griffin’s 197 yards leads Cards to home opening win
The Lamar University football team picked up their first win of the season, defeating Mississippi Valley State University, 28-14, Sept. 7, at Provost Umphrey Stadium.
Running back Khalan Griffin stole the show with 23 carries for a career-high 197 yards. Cardinal quarterback Robert Coleman led the team in offense with 216 yards and two touchdowns.
LU started the game strong, scoring just five minutes in with a 10-yard touchdown catch by Sevonne Rhea, after the Cards had driven 77 yards in eight plays.
MVSU responded with a touchdown, but their celebration didn’t last too long as Griffin ran in a touchdown from the one-yard line, capping a 10-play, 70- yard drive and giving Lamar a 14-7 lead after one quarter.
“Khalan’s performance was exceptional,” Lamar head coach Pete Rossomando said. “I think those things are reasons you win. You run the football, and you stop the run, and you make them a one-dimensional team.”
The second quarter was slow for both teams, but Lamar managed to squeeze another touchdown just before the quarter ended. Tight end JaCorey Hyder scored after a 63-yard catch from Coleman’s throw with a minute left in the half, ending the second quarter 21-7.
Despite the slow start for MVSU, they managed to hold LU from scoring in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown themselves, making the game 21-14.
Both teams struggled offensively in the fourth quarter until Griffin sealed the victory with another one-yard touchdown run to finish a nine-play, 84-yard drive to finish the scoring.
LU defensive backs Ramond Stevens and Dejuan Lewis both finished the game with seven tackles and an interception. Lamar linebacker Brayden Faulkner led the team with nine tackles.
Cardinal tight end JaCorey Hyder led the team in receiving, ending the game with 117 yards, four receptions and one touchdown.
Despite the win, Rossomando said the Cardinals’ performance still left room for improvement.
“I didn’t think our special teams were outrageous,” he said. “I thought (MVSU) probably outplayed us a little bit on special teams, which was disappointing because I really thought we played well on special teams last week. So, we got to get better in that end, and I think we will.”
The Cardinals are off to a good start this season compared to last year which saw them lose the first three games of the season. The Cardinals are now 1-1.
The Cardinals next play Weber State University, Sept. 14, at Provost Umphrey Stadium, the second of three consecutive home games.
The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and aired on 560 KLVI.
