South Range running back goes for 233,

three touchdowns in rout of Campbell

By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

Campbell

Joe Alessi rushed for 233 yards and three touchdowns, David McCabe added two scores and South Range racked up 421 offensive yards as the Raiders defeated Campbell Memorial, 49-18, Friday night at John Knapick Field.

The win spoiled the home return of Red Devils head coach Ed Rozum, who was welcomed by his 1989 state runner-up squad as they formed a tunnel for the team to run through at the outset of the game.

“The offensive line did a great job tonight by opening holes and providing protection for everyone in the backfield. They know exactly what to do and how go about their jobs,” Alessi said. “David and I are best friends on and off the field. He has my back and I have his back, so it’s great to work right alongside him. Campbell Memorial has quite a few excellent athletes and we’ll prepare for everyone on our schedule like we did tonight — one game at a time while not looking ahead.”

Alessi scored on runs of 1, 56 and 92 yards in the first quarter to stake the Raiders (2-0) to a 21-0 advantage.

A 2-yard run by McCabe and 15-yard scoring strike from Ryan Miller to Nick Stanton in the second frame helped South Range build a 35-0 margin. Campbell (0-2) cut into the lead late in the period when Aaron Jackson scored on an 80-yard run to make it35-6 at halftime.

“Joe is a great running back but I was really impressed with our offensive line. They did an absolutely great job all night,” South Range coach Dan Yeagley saud. “These kids are a blast to coach. Joe will be the first to tell you that it’s a team effort and tonight’s win was definitely a combined team effort against a really skilled Red Devils team.”

Jackson’s 94-yard kickoff return to start the second half made it a 35-12 game, but Miller’s second touchdown pass — a 21-yarder to McCahe — increased the South Range margin to 42-12.

A 5-yard run by Peyton Remish at 10:22 of the final period and 6-yard scamper the Red Devils’ Antwan Tarver at 1:27 rounded out the scoring.

“We played a lot of young kids tonight, starting two freshmen while a lot of our junior varsity players saw action as well,” Rozum said. “All we can do is keep working hard like we have been and we’ll improve.

“Tonight we had plenty of improvement in a number of areas on both sides of the ball.”

Jackson ran for 88 yards rushing on nine carries.