Published: August 30, 2009 12:49 am      

GCS takes opener with 71-52 win over Lucas

LUCAS — Greenville Christian School’s defending state champion Eagles overcame muggy conditions and the tough Lucas Christian Warriors to claim Saturday’s six-man football opener, 71-52.

“The heat, the humidity and the weather conditions were tough on both teams,” said GCS coach Larry Uland. “Lucas played us with a great deal of desire. Their coaches did a great job of preparing for us.

“It was a tough day on the field for all the kids. The wind was blowing. It was very hot,” he said.

A couple of the Eagles had to be treated for dehydration.

“We had some kids get cramps that we don’t usually get,” said Uland. “Their kids did, too.”

Uland said both teams played very hard despite the conditions.

“I’m very pleased with the way our kids hung in there and prevailed in the fourth quarter,” he said.

Returning all-state center Tanner Barnes had a big game for the Eagles.

“He carried the team on his back at the end,” said Uland. “He made some runs that were instrumental.”

Barnes finished with eight carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 55 yards and two scores.

Returning all-stater Jake Schumann went 11-of-22 passing for 234 yards and six touchdowns and ran for 51 yards on three carries.

All-stater Andrew Wombaker caught two passes for 45 yards and a touchdown and ran for 22 yards on two carries.

Nick Nelson caught four passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns and converted 5-of-6 bonus kicks.

Robert Hargrove intercepted a pass.

A.J. Uland also threw to Josh Evans for a conversion.