WARREN - Lamar Carmichael knows this is a learning process. And though Carmichael led his Warren G. Harding Raiders to an upset-victory over Cardinal Mooney on Saturday, he knows this is just the first step of a long season ahead.
He was 17 of 21 for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the 28-20 victory over Cardinal Mooney, garnering him the Tribune Chronicle Player of the Week honor for Week 3.
"It was very special," Carmichael said of the win. "Me and the team work very hard all week. Saturday, we had an OK game. We have to keep getting better every week."
But, like most quarterbacks, their success derives from a solid offensive line.
"They did great," Carmichael said. "I was happy for each one of them. Telling them great job after every play. You have my back."
WGH coach Steve Arnold sees that dedication out of the 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior quarterback, who has only played three games as the Raiders' starter.
"I think with every practice, he's gaining more and more experience," Arnold said. "It's what we're trying to do and what we're trying to accomplish. Make no mistake; he's got some weapons around him. You're only as good as your last game. He has to continue to get better and know what we're doing offensively.
"He had a very good game against a very good football team Saturday."
That maturation process is ongoing with Carmichael.
"Continue to lead. Continue to know what we're doing all the time, not to have any mental lapses," Arnold said. "Know the situations, which I think is imperative. You have a third-and-5 and your receivers are covered, tuck the ball under and run. Let's keep the chains moving. He did that at crucial situations against Mooney. Things of that nature, just learning the game."
Arnold saw Carmichael's potential when he was going against Jimmy Rumple for the starting quarterback position during the Raiders' preseason camp.
"The thing that separated Lamar, I think he missed one practice and I'm taking about since the spring," Arnold said. "He was always the first one here and the first one to leave. He showed some leadership qualities in that respect. He's getting better as this process goes along."
Carmichael will lead the Raiders into conference play this week, as they face off against Maple Heights at home.