HOBGOOD – Big time.

Lawrence Academy gave first-year skipper Beau Drake his inaugural win for the green-and-gold Thursday night and they did so in fine fashion – outscoring Hobgood Academy 88-76 in a varsity football game that will go down as one of the four highest-scoring eight-man affairs in U.S. history.

“Being that the kids fought as hard as they did, it was certainly special,” Drake said. “This group of young men is as tough as any group I’ve ever coached. They were in great shape to finish the game.”

The first quarter saw just 28 points combined as the two teams were tied at 14-all, but the second quarter saw the beginning of the explosion that would lead to the 164-point affair.

Lawrence scored 46 points in the second period while the Raiders answered with 22 of their own to let the visiting squad head into the locker room with a 60-36 edge.

The third quarter, however, belonged to Hobgood as they held Lawrence scoreless and pulled to within 60-50.

The Warriors were able to reverse the momentum as they scored to go up 68-50 and eventually led 88-68 with under a minute remaining.

The Raiders didn’t quit, however, and scored again to establish the final score.

In addition to the 160-point plus effort between the two schools, Lawrence had three additional scores that were called back due to penalties.

“I saw a change in our team,” Drake said. “We had a lot of bangs and bruises that might have forced the kids to come out in other games, but not last night. They didn’t want to come out of the game and that’s a good sign of where we’re headed.”

Luke Leary was a scoring machine for the Warriors as he found paydirt five times. He had three scores rushing, added one receiving and also had returned a kick for a touchdown.

Quarterback Jesse White was equally productive, throwing for three scores and rushing for two more.

As for picking up his first win, Drake said he admitted it was emotional.

“All the work and stress and all those things that go into a program are worth it on nights like that,” he said. “To see all the smiles on kid’s faces and to finally get over that hump is terrific.

“When you’re working and seeing improvement, but not winning, it is sometimes tough to stay up even as a coach,” Drake added. “You start to wonder, but then it comes together like that and you know it’s all worth it.”

The 164 points between the two teams sets a combined total record for the eight-man division of the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association and ranks fourth nationally.

The Warriors will have the opportunity to make it two straight Friday when they host Rocky Mount Academy.