Lee High School senior running back Idreis Augustus doesn't just want to win football games, he wants to win big.
It's not surprising that a 300 rushing yard, three-touchdown performance wasn't enough satisfy Augustus after the Lancers' (2-0) 40-35 victory against Hayfield Secondary School (1-1) on Sept. 11.
"This was kind of a disappointment," he said. "The score shouldn't have been this close, but I'm happy we won. But I know no one on this team is satisfied with [this win]."
In the first half, the Lancers were poised for a blowout, but after 14 unanswered points by the Hawks in the second quarter, the running back realized his team had underestimated the talented Hayfield squad.
"I thought this would be a breeze and my team thought it would be, too," he said. "We went into cruise mode, but we had to wake up because we can't play like this against Westfield."
Head Coach Rob Everett said his team can’t let their guard down.
"The bottom line is we won the game," Everett said. "I think Hayfield is one of the better teams in Division 5, but a performance like that against Stone Bridge or Edison is not going to cut it."
Everett said that his team wasn't surprised by Hayfield's talent and knew that Hayfield was capable of keeping the score close. "[Hayfield] is a big-play team," he said. "They've got some great athletes, but we allowed the big play. We practiced defending it all week and that's where the major disappointment lies."
Hayfield's top player, quarterback Anton McCallum, gave the Lancers defense fits, throwing four touchdowns and rushing for 71 yards.
"[Augustus] was getting out-performed by their top player," Everett said. "In the second half, we finally were able to slow down [McCallum] and play at our tempo."
Despite the slim victory over Hayfield, Everett said Augustus displayed the form and talent that will help was in fine form and displayed the talent Everett believes will help carry the Lancers' offense.
"He's the best player in the region hands down," Everett said. "He is a tremendous talent and we're fortunate to have him along with Greg Lopez and [senior running back] Jazmier Williams."
Everett's claim wasn't without proof. On the second play of the game, Augustus broke a 60-yard touchdown run after slipping past three defenders.
His encore? A 64-yard touchdown run on the next drive. For a grand finale, he ran 80 yards for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
"I just pick up my knees and fight to the goal line," Augustus said. "I got some great blocks from [the offensive line]. That's what helped me scored [tonight]."
While Augustus' performance captured the spotlight, Lopez contributed to the victory with 72 rushing yards and 55 passing yards.
"I've got to try and get more yards than [Augustus]," Lopez said jokingly. "We just feed off each other and work hard for our team."
With a 2-0 record and district play looming, Everett said it’s time for his team to focus on their goal.
"Were aiming for a Patriot District championship and a playoff run," he said. "I'm pleased that we are 2-0, but our competition is going to be raised as we enter district play."
Lee's road to a Patriot District title won't be easy. The district has some of the Northern Region's best schools, including back-to-back title winner West Springfield, South County, district newcomer W.T. Woodson and rising powerhouse Lake Braddock.
"It's a dog fight every week," he said. "Lake Braddock's the favorite, but any team in this district can win when playing against each other. That's the fun part of coaching in this district."