Following last week’s upset win over Collin’s Hill, the Lambert Longhorns attempted to keep the momentum going at home against Cherokee High School on Homecoming night.

Going into this game, preparation was especially difficult for Lambert’s coaches and players because the two teams have never faced each other. This unfamiliarity manifested itself early on in the contest as the Cherokee Warriors  controlled almost every facet of the game, especially along the line of scrimmage. After the first two quarters, Lambert was trailing by a score of 28-10.

Shortly after the second half began, Cherokee scored another touchdown to bring the score up to 35-10.

However, rather than throw in the towel, the Longhorns soon went on a streak of their own scoring 26 unanswered points which included two touchdown passes from senior quarterback Richie Kenney to junior wide receiver Tyler Gillis, and a 55 yard fumble return from senior defensive back Noah Beck.

Following a four yard touchdown run from junior running back Marcus Chatelain, Lambert finally managed to take a 36-35 lead with just over one minute left to play.

Unfortunately, Cherokee quickly struck with a 55 yard touchdown pass to retake the lead. Then on the subsequent drive the Warriors intercepted a Kenney pass and returned it for yet another 55 yard score. This was the final score of the game as the Longhorns fell to Cherokee 50-35.

For Cherokee, senior quarterback Nolan Donley finished the game 21/30 passing with 416 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Sophomore running back Garrett Miles also did his part with 15 carries for 109 yards, bolstered by a 79 yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

As for the Longhorns, quarterback Richie Kenney finished 21/34 with 341 yards passing, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Tyler Gillis caught all three TD’s and finished with 188 yards receiving.

Lambert’s next game is on September 16 at Lanier High School, where the Longhorns hope to bounce back against a familiar foe.