Lee-Huntsville quarterback Nunu Lewis showed early what an exciting night he would have.
At Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville, Lewis broke several tackles during a 43-yard touchdown run on the third play after just 1:02 had run off the clock.
Lewis added another touchdown and threw a TD pass against Columbia.
The Generals had all the points they needed by the end of the first quarter with a 28-0 lead, but added three more touchdowns in the second period and led by seven touchdowns at intermission.
The second half consisted of shortened, 10-minute quarters and a running clock.
Lee took a 49-0 victory in the season opener for both teams.
Dakota Shrader returned an interception 98 yards for another Lee score in the opening quarter. He also caught a 37-yard scoring pass from Lewis, and Jadevin Johnson had a 4-yard TD run.. In the second quarter, James Vassar scored on a 10-yard run, Lewis scampered home from the 22, and Brandon Bryant finished the night by going in from the 8 with 1:37 to play in the first half.
Osama Simpson added seven extra points.
Star of the game: Lewis carried six times for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He also passed 37 yards to Shrader with 4 seconds left in the first quarter to give Lee a lead of four touchdowns.
Key sequence: Columbia's best chance to score came after the Eagles recovered a Lee fumble at the Generals 23 in the first quarter. However, on the fifth play and with the ball at the Lee 14, Hunter Marshall's pass was picked off by Shrader, who ran it back 98 yards.
Stat sheet: Lee had a total offense of 267 yards to 98 for Columbia. … The Generals ran for 219 yards and passed for 48. … The Eagles had 61 rushing yards on the stadium's new artificial turf, and 37 passing.
Coachspeak: "We have a lot of work to do. I'm excited for the student-athletes. They worked hard and I'm glad they were able to experience the joy of accomplishment. We have a whole lot of work to do."- Lee coach Jerry Ross
"We're going to get better. Rome wasn't built in a day. It's commitment and dedication. Nothing will change until we wholeheartedly decide to commit ourselves to the game of football." – Columbia coach Marcus McCal
He said it: "We have a young offense. We've got to keep it up. Work on the offensive side of the ball, compete, and get stronger mentally and physically. Get more disciple, have better class, and never underestimate the opponent." - Lewis.
What’s next?: On Thursday, Lee plays Grissom at Milton Frank. On Friday, Columbia travels to Albertville.