Lakes becomes Mercer's leading rusher in 49-14 win over VMI
MACON, Ga. -- Alex Lakes became Mercer's all-time leading rusher and Travonte' Easley snagged his first career interception and returned it 51 yards for a score as the Bears cruised to a 49-14 win over VMI on Saturday.
Lakes carried it 10 times for 46 yards to total 2,372 for his career, topping quarterback John Russ in 2013-16. Lakes also tied the school record for touchdown runs with his 30th, a 2-yard burst in the fourth quarter.
After falling behind 7-0 on Allan Cratsenberg's 60-yard interception return, the Bears (2-3, 1-2 Southern Conference) ripped off 35 straight points. Kaelan Riley, who finished with 318 yards passing and three TDs, hooked up with Chandler Curtis for a 61-yard score and found Tee Mitchell on a 79-yard strike to give Mercer the lead for good.
The Bears amassed 575 yards of offense, while holding the Keydets (0-5, 0-2) to 225.
VMI's lone TD on offense was Duncan Hodges' 79-yard connection to Javeon Lara in the third. It was Lara's third career TD catch of 70-plus yards.
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Game Information
2024 Southern Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer | 7-1 | 11-3 |
| Western Carolina | 6-2 | 7-5 |
| Chattanooga | 5-3 | 7-5 |
| East Tennessee State | 5-3 | 7-5 |
| Samford | 3-4 | 4-7 |
| The Citadel | 3-5 | 5-7 |
| Wofford | 3-5 | 5-7 |
| Furman | 2-5 | 3-8 |
| VMI | 1-7 | 1-11 |
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