By Matthew Peaslee

mpeaslee@vindy.com

canfield

The Youngstown Christian coaching staff has unique nicknames for Anthony Abeid and Ryan Grier. Here’s a secret, it’s not Batman and Robin, nor is it Starsky and Hutch. No, the running back tandem has legendary nicknames that date back to one of the most storied programs in college football.

“We refer to them as Craig James and Eric Dickerson,” said head coach Brian Marrow, referring to the “Pony Express” backfield of the Southern Methodist teams from the early 1980s. “They’re just like those guys; they could be 1,000 yard rushers and we’re blessed to have them.”

Abeid, or in this case Craig James, rushed for 254 yards in the Eagles’ 41-6 blowout victory of Garaway. Grier, otherwise known as Eric Dickerson, added another 128. Youngstown Christian tallied 547 yards of total offense on the night.

“It’s amazing to have the weapons that we do on offense because the defense doesn’t know who’s getting the ball next,” Abeid said.

The Eagles unleashed a stack offense for the first time this season, while mixing in some wildcat formations.

“It gives us another running back or receiver under center,” Abeid said. “We take it in from pro and college teams and it’s a lot of fun to run.”

Its first score of the game came by way of the wildcat.

Darien Townsend lined up as the quarterback for the first time on the night and took a direct snap from the center. Townsend swept to the outside and tip-toed down the sidelines for a 60 yard touchdown run. Abeid scored the next Eagle touchdown on a 3-yard punch-in giving them a 13-6 lead at the half.

YCS scored on its first two possessions of the second half. Quarterback Emmit Underwood hooked up with Nick Gonda for 31-yard touchdown pass. Then, the Eagles drove 99 yards on nine plays that ended with Grier taking it to the house from 25 yards out.

“The offensive line did a great job tonight,” Grier said. “They work hard and Anthony and I just run between the holes they make and thank them when we make it in the end zone.”

No bigger hole was created when Abeid scored with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. On the first play from scrimmage, he busted through the line and scampered for a 93-yard touchdown run.

“I just broke down on the sidelines,” Marrow tearfully said. “I couldn’t hold back the tears. I’m so proud of these guys. They make our job as coaches easier.”

Garaway scored first by returning a fumble 70 yards just three minutes into the contest.