Perkins scores 50-yard TD

SULPHUR — After Vinton scored on its initial drive, East Beauregard’s defense held Vinton scoreless on its next two drives to hold on for an 8-7 win Thursday at the SPOT Therapy/Billy Navarre Chevrolet Jamboree at Matt Walker Memorial Stadium.

It was the first of three scrimmages of the night with a running clock. The jamboree continues today with four games, beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

With East Beauregard leading 8-7, Vinton crossed into Trojan territory with a 29-yard pass from Drew Heinen to Jaden Carrier. But the Trojans forced two incomplete passes and Austin Slaydon and Hunter Sharp sacked Heinen for a 6-yard loss.

“I am proud of our kids,” East Beauregard head coach Gordy Glaser said. “We don’t have a whole bunch of experience, but a whole lot of fight.

“I know Vinton is super talented. I am proud of our kids on both sides of the football, being able to maintain on defense and being able to come up with a big play here and there on offense.”

East Beauregard took the lead on its opening drive, running five consecutive running plays capped by a 50-yard touchdown run by senior Devin Perkins.

Vinton outgained East Beauregard 123-99 but struggled with penalties, committing five for 51 yards, including two personal fouls and an illegal forward pass.

“It is tough to win when you inflict damage upon yourself,” Vinton head coach Tarius Davis said. “We had some big plays and we had penalties — a couple of block in the backs and personal fouls. We have to be able to know when we need to block and when not to block. Everything that happened today is correctable.”

When the Lions weren’t watching yellow flags fly, they put together a solid eight-play, 57-yard scoring drive. Heinen kept the drive alive with an 11-yard gain on third down. After a penalty negated a long completion, Heinen went right back to sophomore Carrier. The pass was underthrown, but Carrier adjusted and was able to jump in front of the defender to make the catch for a 22-yard touchdown.

Heinen completed 4 of 12 passes for 79 yards and was the Lions’ leading ballcarrier with 15 yards on three carries. Carrier made two catches for 51 yards.

Perkins rushed for 49 yards on three carries and Brycelyn Murphy picked up 43 yards on five carries.