Byrd Yellow Jackets sting previously undefeated Parkway, 39-14

By Channing Ewing

Photo of Byrd's Josh Allen courtesy of his Twitter page

BOSSIER CITY - Parkway came into Friday night's home game riding plenty of momentum, especially sporting an undefeated record. 

But Byrd's Yellow Jackets literally stung the Panthers, winning 39-14 at Preston Crownover Stadium.

Parkway actually started the game strong. The Panthers recorded the game's opening score with a 48-yard pass from Ashton Martin to Trenton Lape to make 7-0 with 9:13 remaining in the first quarter.

Byrd would tie up the score barely more than three minutes later with a 26-yard run from quarterback Lake Lambert. The Yellow Jackets then took the lead on a 17-yard run from Josh Allen to make it 14-7 with 1:11 to go in the opening quarter.

Byrd proceeded to add to its lead on a 36-yard field from Abram Murray to make it 17-7 with 9:42 to go in the second quarter. Then, the Yellow Jackets extended it to 19-7 on a safety in the end zone with 5:46 to go in the first half, and the 19-7 score stood for the remainder of the half.

The Yellow Jackets continued their scoring spree in the second half. Byrd made it 26-7 as Lambert took a 14-yard keeper into the end zone with 7:19 to go in the third.

Allen then found the end zone from 7 yards out as the Yellow Jackets remained in control, 32-7, with 9:11 to go in the game.

Parkway would see the end zone for its second and final time of the night with a 21-yard pass from Martin to Lape to make it 32-14 with 7:04 left.

But Byrd proceeded to tack on one more touchdown, a 3-yard dash from Devon Strickland with 3:30 to go in the game.

"It was a big win (Friday) over unbeaten Parkway and that we broke our two-game losing streak," said Byrd head coach Stacy Ballew. "The kids played great."

For the game, Lambert completed 5-of-8 passes for 76 yards along with his two rushing touchdowns.

"It was great week of practice, and we are more confident as a team," Lambert said.

Allen finished the night with 60 yards rushing to go with his two touchdowns.

The Yellow Jackets also did the job defensively in Friday's win. Isaiah Ford led the "Purple Swarm" defense with one sack and two tackles for loss. Allen ran for 60 yards and had 2 TD'S on the ground. 

Byrd (5-2) will host Airline on Thursday of next week while Parkway will play Natchitoches Central on Friday.