SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — If you thought Lafayette’s run to the Class 4A state championship last season was a fluke, then Friday night’s one-sided win over Cleveland made some more doubters believers.LHS pounded the Wildcats 48-12 in the season opener for both teams with the use of a well coordinated running attack and an aggressive defense. The Commodores (1-0 overall) fell behind 6-0 when Cleveland’s Tyler Slaughter raced 80 yards for a touchdown at the 7:08 of the first quarter. The score sent the Cleveland sideline and faithful in attendance at Mickey Sellers Stadium into jubilation, but it also angered the Commodores just as much and inspired them to get things rolling from that point forward.

Quarterback Jeremy Liggins and running back DeMarkus Dennis led Lafayette’s offensive attack after the quick score from Slaughter. Liggins scored the first touchdown for LHS on a 4-yard run, while the duo ended up rushing for three touchdowns apiece in the win.

Liggins had 127 yards rushing in the first half and capped a big night on the ground with 13-yard rush for a TD at the 4:27 mark of the third quarter. Dennis, who had 72 yards at the half on just nine carries, scored two touchdowns in the second half, the first on a 5-yard run and the second on a 66-yard run.

When Lafayette’s offense wasn’t scoring, the defense was doing its part slowing down the Cleveland offense. LHS only allowed Cleveland 20 yards following Slaughter’s big rush, while the defense held Cleveland to zero yards passing the first 24 minutes of action.

Things got so one sided in favor of LHS that the referees decided to run the game clock despite the consent of coach Anthony Hart.

The Commodores will be back in action Friday for its home opener against Memphis-Trezvant. Former LHS coach Jimmy Arrington will be remembered before the game with a special ceremony involving his family at 7:10. (August 21, 2010)