Rasey breaks county record, but Girard prevails

September 25, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Team

Record	Div.	Conf.
9/2	Div. IV	All-American Conference Blue Tier

Team

Champion

Record	Div.	Conf.
0/8	Div. V	All-American Conference Blue Tier

By Jim Flick

sports@vindy.com

GIRARD

Thanks to a high-powered passing attack, Girard High stormed out to an early four-touchdown lead and defeated Champion 42-14 on Friday night.

Landon Smith led the Indians’ air attack, catching seven passes for 229 yards. He snagged four touchdowns catches, including passes that covered 66 and 59 yards.

He wasn’t Girard’s only weapon. Quarterback Dan Graziano completed 13 of 17 passes for 355 yards.

On the other side of the ball, Champion running back Jimmy Rasey broke the all-time Trumbull County career rushing record, gaining 174 yards on 40 carries.

In the second quarter, his 2-yard touchdown run broke the all-time career county record of 5,366 yards, held by Rick Badanjek of Southington (1978-81).

Rasey said the breaking the all-time career rushing record “feels pretty good. But it’d feel better with a win.

“It’s an honor to be able to break the record,” Rasey added.

Rasey carried the ball on every down of the Golden Eagles’ first possession. He gained 19 yards on six carries before the Indians’ defense stiffened.

On the first play of Girard’s first possession, Graziano found for a 59-yard TD play.

Smith snagged a 14-yard pass during Girard’s second possession, which ended with Graziano’s 4-yard touchdown run.

In the second quarter, Smith struck twice more, scoring touchdowns from 14 and 66 yards out.

Rasey’s scored made it 28-7, but Girard quickly struck back, on Ahmad Eggleston’s 2-yard run.

Girard coach Nick Cochran said he knew preparing for the game that Champion “is big and strong up front,” so he decided to “open up” Girard’s offense.

Regarding Smith’s play, Cochran said simply, “He’s special.”

Cochran said quarterback Graziano “made great plays. He’s a silent leader, but he’ll do what he can to make a play.”

“When you give up 35 points in the first half, it’s tough to come back,” said Champion coach Terry Howell.