Lamar looks to take next step in 2024

Lamar – Coming off back-to-back seasons of 9-4 records, the Lamar High football team is aiming to take the next step in 2024.

Second-year head man Stephen Burris must replace 13 seniors from last year’s squad but still returns more than a dozen players who were starters in last year’s third-round playoff loss to Johnsonville.

Burris and the prospective 2024 Silver Foxes are busy putting in the work during the summer months, a process that began with spring practices in May. However, Burriss used the spring to work more with younger players, trying to acclimate them to the varsity level.

“We had a large number of guys running track and playing baseball, which we encourage because multi-sport guys are important at a small school,” Burris said. “We used this spring to really focus on the young guys who may not have gotten the reps with the veteran guys out there. We were able to slow things down and just teach those young guys the way we do things.”

The Silver Foxes will be most experienced along the offensive line this coming fall. A solid group of veterans return, led by senior left tackle Kendall Walton, a 6-5, 305-pounder who has received six college offers this spring. Senior Tahj Johnson will be a third-year starter and junior Devaughn Locust also returns.

Burris is hopeful for a healthy return for quarterback Zori Pierce, a true dual-threat weapon who is recovering from a knee injury sustained late last season.

“He is coming along great and we expect him to be ready in August,” the coach said. “He’s definitely a key piece to the offense, a catalyst. And, he’s a good leader.”

Senior Zoom Jackson returns as the team’s top receiving threat but there is a lack of experience at running back. Looking to step in and fill that role is sophomore DQ Green.

Two key pieces returning defensively are Alvion Ward and Kamon Miller.

“I think building depth is going to be key for us,” Burris said. “We played one game out of 13 with our full starting lineup last year. Building depth and staying healthy have been a major emphasis for us. We are working hard this summer to condition and to get stronger for the long haul.”

The Silver Foxes will open the 2024 season with a home game against Darlington. Lamar’s first three games of the season are home games before a road game at Lake City on Sept. 13.