Football Recap: Dynamic Duo of Ayden Sanders and Eli Jones Lead Lamar to Victory

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Mansfield, Lamar was happy to have turned things around on Friday. Everything went their way against the Heber Springs Panthers as they made off with a 28-7 win. This was payback for the Warriors, who suffered a 40-28 defeat the last time these two teams met.

Eli Jones

Rushing Yards (Career)

09/19/25 vs Heber Springs	123
08/29/25 @ Huntsville	54
10/11/24 vs Dover	48
11/08/24 @ Waldron	43
09/12/25 @ Mansfield	33

Leading Lamar to victory were Eli Jones and Ayden Sanders. Jones rushed for 123 yards and three TDs on only 15 carries, while Sanders gained 152 total yards. Those 123 rushing yards gave Jones a new career-high.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Lamar was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 386 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 193 rushing yards in four consecutive matches dating back to last season.

Another reason for the win was Lamar's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for five sacks. In that department, Grady Marvel was the leader with two. Marvel is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least six every time he's taken the field this season.

Lamar now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Heber Springs, they are on a four-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-3.

Looking ahead, Lamar will square off against Clinton at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Warriors will need to watch out since the Yellowjackets have now posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season. As for Heber Springs, they will look to defend their home field on Friday against Central Arkansas Christian at 7:00 p.m. The contest will give the Panthers their first taste of in-conference action this season.