Morgan coach Robert Gartman said there might be an emotional letdown after last week’s dramatic overtime win over Marengo Academy.

Friday’s 17-7 loss to Lee-Scott supported his theory.

“They’ve got a good football team,” said Gartman. “We’ve got a good one, but we’re still working on it. We’re going to get there.”

The Senators (2-2) fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter and couldn’t dig their way out of the early hole.

Lee-Scott took the opening kickoff and marched methodically down the field for its first score. The Warriors marched 71 yards on 12 plays behind the rushing of Will Garner and passing of Trey Moreman.

After giving up two first downs, Morgan regained its composure, forcing the Warriors into a third and 10 situation at the Morgan 48. But Garner hooked up with William Webster for an 18-yard completion to the 30, and Garner broke through the Senator defense for a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Warriors up 7-0.

Morgan was lifeless on its first possession as the Senators went three and out.

The Warriors took advantage by building their lead to 14-0 on an 8-play, 34-yard drive capped off by a Sam Cowles’ 11-yard touchdown run.

Morgan had trouble moving the ball again, and the Warriors appeared ready to move in for the kill, driving 56 yards in 9 plays to the Morgan 4. But Morgan defensive end Walker Mason sacked Garner for a 10-yard loss to the 14, and the Senator defense forced a missed field goal by Shane Corbett.

Harrelson sparked the Senators with a 41-yard kickoff to start the second half, putting the Senators at their own 44. Two plays later, John Cox raced 44 yards to the Warrior 3.

Harrelson rushed 3 yards for the touchdown, and with only one minute elapsed in the second half, Morgan trimmed its deficit in half.

The Warriors responded by retaking the momentum. They covered 61 yards in 15 plays — converting two fourth-down plays along the way — to reach the Morgan 1-yard line.

But the Senator defense rose to the challenge again and held the Warriors to a 22-yard field goal to increase the lead to 17-7.

“Briefly we were back in the ballgame and had a chance to tie it up 14-14,” said Gartman. “We just couldn’t take advantage of it.”

Those three points put the game out of reach for the Senators. The Lee-Scott defense shut Morgan down the rest of the way and ate up clock with a relentless ground game.

Cox rushed for 58 yards on two carries for Morgan.