McElroy sparks Red Bulls to win, 29-3, in opener at Beaver County

LEETSDALE, Pa. — Ed McElroy rushed for 77 yards and one touchdown to lead the Ohio Red Bulls to a season-opening 29-3 win over the Beaver County Warriors Saturday night at Chuck Knox Stadium, in a North American Football League 1 Lake Erie Division game.

Jerome Betts also scored a touchdown on a 70-yard punt return to give the Red Bulls a 23-3 advantage in the third quarter.

The Red Bulls compiled 196 total yards, including 143 by rushing. Orson Penny threw a 40-yard scoring pass while Craig Ladson had two catches for 13 yards, one for a two-point conversion, to aid the winners.

Defensive leaders

On defense, Penny and Dajwan Stubbs each came up with an interception while Jason Kennedy, Jason Hewlett and Edwin Caffie were the leading tacklers.

The Red Bulls, coached by Will Smith, will play their next game Saturday also on the road in Chardon against the North Coast Vikings.

The Red Bulls’ home opener is June 30 at 7 p.m. against the Ohio Invaders at John Knapick Field in Campbell Memorial Stadium.