Indians’ running game dominating

Carlisle rushing attack comes up with 202 of the team’s 238 yards of total offense.

Photos: Carlisle vs. Franklin

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By John Bombatch, Staff Writer Updated 12:24 PM Saturday, August 29, 2009

CARLISLE — As the visiting Franklin Wildcats shuffled off the field, Carlisle coach Billy Jewell gathered his team together for a quick meeting at midfield.

“You are a new football program!” Jewell shouted, moments after the Indians made a statement heard round the Southwestern Buckeye League with a win over the Wildcats, 20-7, on Friday, Aug. 28.

The quicker Indians probably didn’t need to take advantage of the wet and sloppy conditions, but it didn’t seem to hurt them, either. Behind the talents of Nick McGill and Jordon Jacobs, the Indians rushed for 202 of the team’s total of 238 yards.

Jewell credited offensive linemen Tyler Jewell, Seth Everhart, Joe Downey, Dylan Parsons and T.C. Cooper for the team’s running success.

Why pass when you can churn up the clock and ring up points on the ground?

McGill dashed for 135 yards and touchdown runs of 2 and 47 yards; Jacobs, a transfer from Valley View, gained 40 yards on five touches. Kyle Bartlett gained 24 bruising yards and Clay Colton had one carry for another 19. But it was McGill who broke the ’Cats’ backs.

“We just came out and brought it, all day long,” McGill said, amidst whoops and cheers from the Carlisle faithful.

The Indians defense “brought it” as well. Unofficially, Franklin had four fumbles and lost three of them. Wildcat quarterback Ben Sizemore was also picked off once and was almost intercepted three other times.

“The defense worked their butts off and played aggressive football tonight,” defensive coordinator Daryl Clark said. “Any time you get that many turnovers, you’re doing your job on defense.”

Rather than talk on the field, Franklin coach Rodney Roberts simply motioned for the team to head to the locker room.

“You have to give credit to Carlisle. They have a good ball club, they’re well-coached. Hey, they were the better team tonight,” Roberts said.

Indians placekicker Kris Garrett hit field goal attempts of 21 and 23 yards. Franklin’s lone score came in the fourth quarter when Cody Priest ran in from four yards out. Aaron Herald hit the ‘Cats’ extra point.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2851 or jbombatch@coxohio.com.

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