Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Same old Storey in Charleston victory
CHARLESTON — Charleston’s game plan wasn’t any secret. It wanted the ball in quarterback Ty Storey’s hands.
Why change it? It’s worked just fine all season, and nothing changed Friday night.
Storey completed 32 of 51 passes for 362 yards with 5 touchdowns and rushed for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries as the Tigers defeated Lamar 49-28 in a 4-3A Conference game at Alumni Field.
Charleston senior wide receiver Taylor King was Storey’s main target, finishing with 17 catches for 140 yards with 3 touchdowns.
“We really saddled up Ty,” Charleston Coach Greg Kendrick said. “I told him it was going to be on his shoulder. He performs at his best when we need it most. He answers the bell every time.”
The Tigers (7-0, 4-0) led 28-22 at halftime after Lamar (5-2, 2-2) put together a strong second quarter to keep it close. But Storey, who led the offense to four touch- downs to open the game, added two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown in the second half as Charleston pulled away.
“It was a battle of two very good teams,” Lamar Coach Josh Jones said. “Can’t say enough about Ty Storey and the coaching staff. When they needed a big play, they made it.”
Lamar senior quarterback Braxton Sampley completed 31 of 52 passes for 400 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.
The Warriors used a 70yard drive that was capped with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Sampley to Eric James to pull to within 28-22 with 2:55 left in the second quarter.
After forcing Charleston to punt on its next drive, Lamar took over at its own 35 looking to take the lead with 1:35 left in the half. The Warriors drove down to the Tigers 8 but couldn’t punch it in for the score.
“That’s the difference in the ballgame,” Jones said. “We could’ve had a lead at halftime. You have to take advantage of opportunities against good teams.”
Charleston’s defense stepped up in the second half, stopping Lamar on four of its five second-half drives.
“I’m very, very proud of our defense,” Kendrick said. “That’s the most points we have allowed all year, but in the second half they did a phenomenal job.”
Storey hit King with three touchdown passes as the Tigers jumped out to an 21-6 lead early in the second quarter.
“What more could you ask for?” Kendrick said of King. “Great job running great routes all night. We thought we had a good game plan against their pressure. Couldn’t be more proud of our receivers.”