Rangers Lose Opening Game by Two Points; New Coach Pleased with Effort

CAMP HILL - Lyman Ward's football team lived up to its nickname - "Fighting Rangers" - in its 2008 season opener, losing 22-20 to Open Door Christian Academy of Tuscaloosa, AL.

With fewer than two minutes remaining, first-year Ranger senior quarterback Justin Minor was tackled just short of the goal line on a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the game.  The Rangers got a big bounce on the onsides kick, but were unable to recover, sealing the win for the visiting Eagles.

The Rangers trailed 16 - 14 at halftime, and Open Door scored to take a 22-14 lead late in the fourth quarter.  Freshman running back Justin Quinn scored on a 13-yard scamper that gave the Rangers a chance to send the game into overtime.

Senior wide receiver Kyle Johnson caught four passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Minor racked up more than 100 yards of total offense on the ground and in the air, scoring the other Ranger TD.

First-year Head Coach Sheldon Ward was pleased with his team's effort in its inaugural game.

"I'm very pleased," he said.  "Our team has had only 2 ½ weeks of practice, but they came out and played the new brand of Lyman Ward football.  We're going to get better and win some games."

The Fighting Rangers return to action this coming Friday night, Sept. 5, against Coosa Valley Academy.  Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CST at Ranger Field.