Bogalusa’s running game was tough to stop, and the Lumberjacks posted their first victory of 2016 with a 13-7 victory over Independence on the road Friday night to open District 7-3A play.

“We ran the ball well,” Bogalusa coach David Roberts said. “In that fourth quarter, we probably had one drive that was about seven minutes. We turned the ball over on downs at their 5 with about 1:30 left. They threw three incompletions and then we sacked them on the 1 and downed the ball out with 30-something seconds left.”

Chas Smith led the rushing attack with 149 yards.

Javon Tate had 65 yards and LaTodrain Dillon added 15.

Dominque Tillman had about 80 yards receiving and a 69-yard touchdown. Thomas Turner threw for about 100 yards and the touchdown to Tillman.

Jay Baham hit the extra point on the first touchdown, which tied the game at 7-7. Bogalusa went for two on its second touchdown, but was unsuccessful.

Roberts said Bogalusa and Independence both played hard.

“We were glad to get the running game going and get some first downs,” Roberts said.

Defensively, Joemon Roberts recovered a fumble for the Lumberjacks.

Coach Roberts said that Keltron Harry, Cody Sumrall and O’Trevious Gatlin also played well.

Roberts said the defense played hard.

“(Independence) scored on their second drive,” Roberts said. “We gave them a short field. Then we got it together. We made some adjustments. They had some big stops on fourth down.”

Bogalusa is back in action Friday night and hosts Amite in a district game.

As part of LHSAA’s ruling from a fight that occurred at the end of last year’s playoff game between Bogalusa and Amite, no fans will be allowed at Friday’s game.