NATCHEZ — The Robert Lewis Middle School football team captured its first-ever Southwest Mississippi Conference championship Thursday night with a 32-22 victory over Amite County at Tom F. Williams Memorial Stadium on the campus of Natchez High School.

Robert Lewis jumped out to a 24-6 lead at halftime, and held on in the second half for the 10-point victory.

“The whole staff is happy,” assistant coach Steve Davis said. “These guys have been working hard since summer with weight training and running, and we actually pushed them and pushed them. Their hard work, and our hard work finally paid off.”

Davis said Robert Lewis lost in the title game last season, and it was a relief to get the win this year.

“We’re all happy to actually finally win it,” he said. “I guess (my feeling) was more of joyous relief. I was actually so happy for the team and our coach Henry Garner. We were all happy for him, because he is the rock. He keeps us all here and keeps us all playing. He’s very laid back and mellow, and it was actually good for him, because he’s been coaching the team now for six or seven years, and this is his first trophy.”

Robert Lewis had two touchdown receptions by Sam Butler in the game. Malik Byrd also scored twice, first on an 8-yard run then on a 60-yard reception. Kevontae Caston also had a touchdown reception.

Quarterback Carlos Woods threw four touchdown passes on the night, three of which were from 60 yards or more.

Davis said the team’s passing game has had success all season.

“We actually modeled our offense after (Natchez) high school,” he said. “We like to spread it out, and we have a great young group of skilled wide outs like Butler and Travez Lyles.”

Davis said the offensive line deserves much of the credit as well.

“They actually made us go. They blocked well for us all year.”

Davis said he was just proud of his players and happy they could enjoy their championship moment.

“We had guys that came in and bought into everything as far as scheme and teamwork,” he said. “These guys actually really wanted to win, and they laid it all out there. They all like to come to practice, and they all work hard. They are very fun to coach.”

The Robert Lewis Middle School team finished its season with a 7-2 record.