Steve Lyons has trusted the process. He’s bided his time. He’s waited in the wings.

 But now his time is here, and he’s ready to take full advantage of it.

 On Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium, Lyons looked fully prepared for the moment, as he led the Palmyra football team to a 34-20 triumph over Garden Spot. The first-year senior starter garnered his first career victory by going 12-for-20 passing, for 171 yards and four touchdowns.

 Lyons’ two-yard touchdown toss to Nick Morder with 40 seconds remaining in the first period staked the Cougars to a 7-0 lead, and his 53-yard passing collaboration with Kasey Shguhart pushed Palmyra’s advantage to 20-0. Late in the second quarter, Lyons hit Shughart with a 40-yard touchdown pass, then Lyons found Shughart again, this time with a 23-yard touchdown toss, early in the final stanza.

 In addition to being Lyons’ first career win as a quarterback, it was also Palmyra’s initial victory of the season.

 Lyons had spent the better part of the last two seasons learning the Cougar offense behind the now-departed Grant Haus.

 – Jeff Falk