The East Paulding High School football team spoiled Lithia Spring’s Senior night, pounding the Lions 58-14. Granted the Raiders were at the top of the 5-AAAAA region with an 8-0 record coming in. But the Lions (1-8) had trouble establishing anything on offense for the bulk of the night.

The Raiders jumped out to a quick 7-0 start on their first drive, including three straight long runs, the final one reaching the end zone. The scoring did not appear to slow down at all. Following an interception, the Raiders capitalized with a 30 yard touchdown pass on the second play of the drive. The wheels came off once Lithia punter Jack Dow’s punt was blocked, giving the stout Raider offense the ball on the Lithia 8-yard line. East Paulding scored on the second play of the drive to give them a 21-0 advantage. The first three scoring drives for the Raiders began in Lion’s territory.

As the end of the first quarter was finally on the horizon, the Raiders proved they could also move the ball down the bulk of the field as fast as they did with the ball given to them on Lithia’s side. On the second play of their fourth drive, a 66-yard touchdown run extended the Raider lead to 28-0, just prior to the end of the first quarter.

The Raiders picked off another ball the following drive, allowing their offense to set the tempo on cruise control. The Raider drive ended with yet another touchdown, a five yard scamper.

Lithia Springs finally added seven points to their side of the scoreboard following a 4-yard touchdown run from tailback Avonte Boyd.

However, the Raider offense responded quickly, scoring on a 25-yard touchdown run, making the score 42-7.

To make matters worse, following a three-and-out by the Lion offense, Jack Dow had another punt blocked past the back of the end zone for a safety with 20 seconds t0 go before halftime.

Following the intermission, East Paulding Head Coach Chuck Goddard called off the dogs as he put in his second string offense for the remainder of the game. This did not stop the Raiders from putting up two more touchdowns, including a 26-yard run and a 3-yard pass.

Lithia’s Boyd added another touchdown run to his stats, wrapping up the scoring with 45 seconds left in the game.

Although Lithia appeared to struggle on offense, turning the ball over three times, Boyd was a workhorse, leading the team with 20 carries, while consistently battling for extra yards.

Lithia hosts South Paulding next Friday for their final game of the season.