COURTLAND– Southampton Academy on Friday night lost 50-12 to Word of God Christian Academy, last year’s state champions.

Raider Coach Dale Marks knew his Raiders would be up against a tough team for the Colonial Carolina Conference game, but was pleased his team did not give up.

The host Raiders got on the scoreboard first on a 32-yard pass from quarterback Wesley Barnes to Tonee Hill. The two-point conversion failed.

Hill, a former Southampton High School Indian, started his first game for the Raiders. Hill rushed for 120 yards and scored the Raiders’ three touchdowns.

The Holy Rams’ first score came early in the second quarter on a 25-yard pass; the extra point failed.

The Holy Rams next reached pay dirt following a 21-yard run by Qwentarreus Yarborough to up the score 12-6. The two-point conversion was good to make the score to 14-6.

After a failed drive by the Raiders, the Holy Rams Yarborough rushed 88 yards for a touchdown with 13 seconds remaining in the half to put the score a 20-6. The two-point conversion failed.

The Raiders struck back in the third quarter with two touchdowns by Hill — one on a 44-yard run and the other on a 36-yard pass.

Marks remarked after the game that it was difficult dealing with the Holy Rams constant changing of quarterbacks throughout the game. For his young team, it was hard stopping their running game and especially Yarborough. He had 21 carries for 364 yards.

The Raiders at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, will host St. David’s School.