Brentwood handed Lake Oconee Academy its worst loss of the season this past week.
The War Eagles of Sandersville shut out the Titans 43-0 on their home field.
LOA head coach Patrick Stewart was frustrated with his team’s performance after the game.
“Our focus right now is on improving ourselves as a team. At times, we’ve had too many ‘me-first’ moments, and football is not a game for individuals,” Stewart said. “Success only comes when everyone is committed to putting the team first.”
It was total domination from Brentwood after the first quarter.
LOA held the War Eagles to just six points through one quarter. Running back Abe Williams reached the end zone midway through on a 7-yard run, but the kicker missed the PAT. However, Brentwood busted open the game in the second by scoring 23 points to lead 29-0 at the half.
Toward the end of the first quarter, Titans’ defender Parks Higham picked off a pass from War Eagle quarterback Baylor Cobb, but the offense couldn’t move the chains. Marcus Rhodes got LOA down inside the opponent’s territory, but the drive stalled and the Titans were forced to punt it away.
Brentwood’s offense responded with a score, as running back Tristan Robinson busted off a long run, followed by a 5-yard rushing score from Cobb a few plays later. The War Eagles attempted a two-point conversion but failed.
Cobb added insult to injury on the next drive after an LOA punt. He connected with wide receiver Zyion Andrews for a long touchdown, putting Brentwood up 19-0 after the PAT.
The War Eagle defense then made a heads-up play on the next possession. They recovered a fumble, and Williams scored his second touchdown a few plays into the drive.
Brentwood then added a late field goal to lead 29-0 at the half.
The War Eagles got two more scores on offense in the second half while their defense continued to dominate.
Brentwood’s secondary held LOA quarterback Jake McDonald in check for most of the night. He only completed 1 of 6 pass attempts and was limited to 26 rushing yards on two carries.
The Titans’ rushing attack was held to 111 yards, with Rhodes leading the way with 35 yards on five carries. CJ Stembridge totaled 27 yards on seven attempts. The War Eagles gave up 4.6 yards per carry in the win, but made some big-time plays in the backfield to stop drives. Two fumbles also didn’t help LOA’s case.
Offensively, Brentwood spread the ball around to different playmakers, and the Titans couldn’t stop its balanced attack. Cobb completed 6 of 11 passes for 142 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception. Andrews caught all six of Cobb’s completions for 142 yards and a score.
Robinson led in rushing with 98 yards with zero touchdowns. Williams finished with 94 yards and two scores.
LOA (1-3) played its first four games on the road, but now returns home to face Glenn Hills this Friday (0-3). The Titans and Spartans have played one common opponent in Hancock Central. LOA defeated the Bulldogs, while Glenn Hills struggled and lost.
Stewart hopes for a better result this Friday.
“This week of practice, as we prepare for Glen Hills, our priority is building stronger unity and accountability,” Stewart said. “We want to identify who is fully committed to our program and reinforce the standard that being part of a great team means putting personal interests behind the success of the group. The ones who are about self won’t last long after this week.”