LITHIA SPRINGS — Allatoona and T.J. Herron reaped the benefits of a short field on offense, largely due to the Bucs’ special teams.

Herron powered his way into the end zone for three short touchdowns in the second quarter, giving Allatoona the lead for good en route to a 35-7 road victory against Lithia Springs on Friday night.

Jeremy Uzee threw two touchdown passes in the second half for the Buccaneers, who improved to 4-0 overall and in Region 5AAAAA.

“Opposite of the last couple of weeks, our special teams stepped up big for us and our defense, which has been good all year, played real well,” Allatoona coach Gary Varner said.

After a scoreless first quarter which was dominated by Lithia Springs’ ground game, Allatoona took advantage of Luis Ramierez’s punt that didn’t leave the Lions’ territory. Following a 31-yard completion from Uzee to Tommy Davis, Herron plowed his way to pay dirt for a 1-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead with 9:51 left in the second quarter.

With Lithia Springs ready to punt the ball away for the second time in the half, Charlie Maison blocked Ramierez’s punt attempt after a fumbled snap to give the Bucs the ball at the Lions’ 19. Three plays later, Herron was in the end zone again, this time from three yards out for a double-digit advantage with 2:41 to go in the quarter.

After forcing Lithia Springs into a three-and-out on its ensuing possession, Allatoona’s special teams capitalized again when Ramierez mishandled the snap and was tackled by Cody Webb for a 13-yard loss.

“We made an emphasis that we’ve been a disappointment on special teams this year in all games,” Varner said. “Coach (Andy) Wilcox did a great job and the kids responded to the challenge — that was a good scheme for them.”

As a result, the Bucs started their possession on the Lions’ 1 and extended the margin to 21 points when Herron pushed his way into the end zone with 46 seconds left.

To start the second half, Uzee highlighted a five-play drive with a 22-yard pass to Davis and a 25-yard completion to DJ Ezell for a 28-0 score.

Clarence Solberry also caught a 23-yard TD pass in the second half and Traboris Tarver had an interception for the Bucs, who have won each of their games by double digits.