By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

LAGRANGE – They’re searching for a breakthrough.

The Lafayette Christian School Cougars, after falling to 0-2 with last week’s 44-38 loss to New Creations Christian Academy, will look for their first win when they host Hearts Academy today at their on-campus stadium.

Hearts Academy opened its season with a 68-6 victory over Arlington Christian.

Lafayette Christian, which began its season with a 37-15 loss to Solid Rock Academy, made its home debut last week, and it was a thrilling game with plenty of offense.

Lafayette Christian scored a late touchdown to get within six, but New Creations held on for the close win.

While there were plenty of bright spots in the game, Lafayette Christian head coach Nate Shaw said there were some key mistakes that proved costly.

At one point after a touchdown, Lafayette Christian had to use a timeout before a two-point conversion.

That timeout would have come in handy late, with the Cougars getting the ball for the final time with less than a minute remaining.

“One of things I said postgame was, we had to waste a timeout because you’re not paying attention,” Shaw said. “You have to be in the game, in the flow.”

Offensively, the Cougars had a productive game, with junior quarterback Landon Whitley continuing to put up big numbers.

Whitley had 20 carries for 98 yards, and he had a scoring run as well as a touchdown pass to Cason Firth.

Jacob Lueken added 97 yards on eight attempts, and Amani Jenkins had five carries for 38 yards, and he returned a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown.

Firth had 46 yards on just two carries, and he had a 49-yard touchdown catch from Whitley.

Firth, a freshman, has made quite a splash this season.

In the Solid Rock game, Firth had a touchdown catch and a scoring pass.

“He’s got legit speed,” Shaw said.

Defensively, Lafayette Christian had a difficult time slowing New Creations.

Shaw said the defensive gave up three touchdowns when New Creations was a long-yardage situation on either third down or fourth down.

“Those are just killers,” Shaw said.