Neither an injury nor the Bellmont defense could hold back Homestead quarterback Logan Laughlin.

Despite being hobbled by a high ankle sprain suffered in last week’s game against Columbia City, Laughlin was able to lead the Homestead offense with 160 yards and three touchdown passes against a strong Bellmont defense that had only given up 32 points in four previous games.

Homestead was able to cruise to a 34-14 win with a productive offense and a solid defense.

“Obviously, Bellmont is a good team and we wanted to show people around the area and around the state that we can contend with whoever,” said Laughlin after the game.

Laughlin hooked up with wide receiver Colin Harruff for two highlight-reel touchdown catches and tossed another to running back Jamar Freeman on a screen pass. Harruff led the Spartans with 108 receiving yards on just six catches.

“He’s a really good receiver, and I know if I throw it up to him, more likely than not he’s going come down with it,” said Laughlin about Harruff.

Freeman added a 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that sealed the game for the Spartans.

Not only did the Homestead offense produce, but the defense helped out with a score of their own.

After forcing a fourth down on Bellmont’s first possession, the Homestead special teams were able to put the Spartans on the scoreboard after Bellmont quarterback/punter Joel Bone bobbled the snap. Spartans senior linebacker Julian Lewis scooped up the loose ball and was able to keep his balance as he stumbled in for a touchdown.

“Getting that score gets the momentum where you want it to be,” said Homestead head coach Chad Zolman. “It feels like an unearned score.”

The Homestead defense disrupted a strong Bellmont offense with big hits and used its speed behind the ball to keep the Bellmont option attack in check.

The Spartans held Bellmont to only 103 yards on the ground, repeatedly holding the Braves to one- or two-yard gains.

Through the air, Braves quarterback Bone completed only five of 10 passes for 47 yards.

Zolman was pleased with his defense’s strong play.

“The option is hard to prepare for, that’s why we run it too,” he said. “Our coaching staff drilled and drilled all week. It’s a difficult offense to stop, so I think (the players) did a good job.”

The Spartans received a scare when starting inside linebacker and Michigan recruit Jordan Barnes stayed on the ground after a play with an apparent ankle injury.

He did return, but played sparingly with his right ankle heavily taped. “He wanted back in, so that’s a good sign,” said Zolman.

Bellmont head coach Toney Bergman was not discouraged by the tough loss.

“I’m fairly pleased with our kids,” he said. “We’re going to go back and look at film. We’re going to continue to work on things.

“Our kids will be fine, we’ll bounce back.”