After a convincing 36-9 win Friday night over Class 3A opponent Travelers Rest, a growing confidence within the Landrum High School football program overflowed.

This isnt like anything Ive been a part of in my three years, said junior quarterback Brandon Cannon, whose 301 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns two rushing and two passing was just a chorus in a largely dominating Cardinals performance. Even the coaches were different on the sidelines. I think what weve got here is something special. Its something I havent had here before. You can tell the coaches are fired up about it, too not just us. Were all excited.

After clinging to a 14-9 lead at the half, LHS exploded for 16 unanswered points in the final 1:08 of the third quarter.

Cole McDowells 47-yard touchdown reception from Cannon started the barrage and was followed by a safety with 50 seconds left in the quarter. Following the free kick, LHS took over at the Travelers Rest 44 and McDowell rushed for 15 yards and then went the remaining 29 for a score to put the Cardinals ahead 30-9 with five seconds remaining in the third quarter.

McDowell turned in a career night with game highs in rushing yardage (146) and receiving yards (75), and he was quick to give credit to the offensive linemen.

Theyre the heart of this offense and I dont get anywhere without them, McDowell said. So, my heart goes out to them. Im thankful to have them.

The Cardinals rolled up 475 yards of total offense, and after a shaky opening two quarters, the LHS defense shut out the Devildogs (0-2) in the second half.

Travelers Rests spread attack was held in check for most of the night, finishing with 205 yards of total offense. Quarterback Barron Morgan was 9 of 23 passing for 108 yards and an interception.

Were real proud of our defensive effort, said LHS head coach Russell Mahaffey. I felt like we had 11 hats to the ball all night, so Im real proud of what they did.

GAME NOTES

LHS won its home opener for the first time since moving to the new campus and new stadium four seasons ago. . . . The Cardinals were penalized 13 times for 110 yards. . . Each team scored safetys afer being called for penalties in the end zone.STATSLandrum 36, Travelers Rest 9

Score by quarter

Travelers Rest&bsp; 2&bsp;&bsp; 7&bsp;&bsp; 0&bsp;&bsp; 0&bsp; – 9

Landrum&bsp;&bsp; 7&bsp;&bsp; 7&bsp;&bsp; 16&bsp;&bsp; 6&bsp; – 36

1st quarter

LHS – Brandon Cannon 10 run (Doar kick), 7:13

TR – safety, 3:18

2nd quarter

LHS – Cannon 22 run (Doar kick), 6:33

TR – A.J. Starks 1 run (Stefan Styles kick), 1:19

3rd quarter

LHS – Cole McDowell 47 pass from Cannon (Doar kick), 1:08

LHS – safety, :50

LHS – McDowell 29 run (Doar kick), :05

4th quarter

LHS – Derek Belue 6 pass from Cannon (kick failed)

Rushing: TR – June Downs 11-61. LHS – McDowell 19-146, Cannon 15-132, Peyton McCarter 1-18, Belue 1-3, Clark Edmonds 2-1.

Passing: TR – Barron Morgan 9-23-1-108. LHS – Cannon 13-27-0-169.

Receiving: TR – Lance Campbell 5-45. LHS – McDowell 3-75, Jacob Lindsay 2-38, McCarter 1-8, Lindsey 2-28, Tyler Logan 2-19, Heffner 2-18.