McElroy's kickoff return sets tone for 52-0 blowout

The Chaney standoutfinished with 144 yardsrushing on nine carries.
By CHUCK HOUSTEAU
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Chaney's Ed McElroy felt pretty good before the high school football game against Rayen.
"We were pumped up for this game," said the junior tailback, who then went out and returned the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown.
McElroy went on to score four more touchdowns to lead Chaney (7-1, 2-0 City Series) to a 52-0 defeat over Rayen on Friday at Stambaugh Stadium.
Game totals: McElroy scored on runs of 5, 41, 53, and 10 yards and he also scored on a two-point conversion run. He finished the game with 144 yards rushing on just nine carries, and defensively he intercepted a pass.
"Eddie [McElroy] had one of his better nights, there's no doubt about that," said Chaney coach Ron Berdis. "He ran the ball hard and with a lot of confidence. We didn't have to do a whole lot, just hand the ball to him."
Berdis said that McElroy's effort on the opening kickoff set the tone for his team's impressive performance.
"We were worried after having a sluggish start last week [against Cardinal Mooney]," Berdis said. "Ed's kickoff return set the tone and then our kids took control of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
"It was a really impressive win on our part."
Solid defense: While McElroy provided the spark, it was Chaney's defense that totally shut down a good offensive-minded Rayen team.
Chaney defenders forced six Rayen turnovers, including four interceptions, as the Tigers had no success operating out of their no-huddle, shotgun attack.
Rayen quarterback Ron Lampkin was able to complete only 12-of-29 passes for 125 yards.
Chaney had put the game away by halftime with a 40-point first half effort.
The Cowboys outgained Rayen in first-half yardage 266-63.
Chaney scored on all five of its offensive possessions in the first two periods.
McElroy's most impressive touchdown came on a fake punt during which he rambled 53 yards for a score.
"My line helps me every week," McElroy said. "But they blocked real good tonight. This was my best game ever, but I hope to do even better someday."
Ranking: The Cowboys entered the contest ranked No. 1 in their region in the Division II computer rankings. According to Berdis, the Cowboys are playing their best football.
"We keep improving every week and that's what you want to see this time of the season," Berdis said.