Turnovers doom LaFayette in shutout loss to Heritage

The LaFayette Ramblers were their own worst enemy this past Thursday afternoon as they committing six turnovers and dropped a 38-0 decision at Heritage.

LaFayette’s initial drive would come to an end with a turnover on downs at the Heritage 41-yard line. The Generals would move the ball to the Rambler 5, but the defense would stiffen and keep Heritage out of the end zone as the game quickly moved toward halftime.

However, on LaFayette’s next possession, a miscue on a handoff would set up the Generals deep in LaFayette territory and the Heritage offense would put up the first score of the game with 3:36 left before halftime.

LaFayette once again moved the ball across midfield, but another turnover on downs would give the ball back to the home team and the Generals would connect on a 70-yard TD pass with 45 seconds left in the half. A 2-point conversion would put them ahead 16-0 at the break.

Heritage would score quickly to open the third quarter, making it 24-0 after a 17yard scoring run and a conversion. LaFayette put itself in a hole after mishandling the ensuing kickoff and two plays later, a high snap in the shotgun formation resulted in a defensive touchdown that boost the Generals’ lead to 32-0.

The turnovers would unfortunately come fast and furious for the Ramblers as their next three possessions ended with two lost fumbles and an interception. Heritage would capitalize on the final turnover, punching it in with 1:34 left in the third quarter to cap the scoring for the night.

LaFayette quarterback Cade Fisher was 3 of 7 in the air for 101 yards, two were caught by Lennard Pullom for 95 yards. Jalen Suttle was held to 27 yards rushing, while Jamario Clements was limited to 17 yards on the ground.

Davis Richardson had six tackles to pace the LaFayette defense.

The Ramblers (2-3) will host Ringgold in regular season finale on Thursday. LaFayette has a bye on Oct. 6. The NGAC semifinals will be held on Oct. 13.

Heritage currently leads the NGAC Eastern Division standings with a 3-0 division record and a 4-0 overall record, while Ringgold is second at 2-2.