— By Ethan Collins
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Running back Jeremiah King continues to shine for Robert C. Byrd. King’s latest standout effort consisted of 13 carries for 215 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Flying Eagles past East Fairmont, 51-27.
King rushed for 205 yards and three touchdowns in the first half for the Eagles (2-0). The game started with the opening kickoff being taken for a touchdown by Byrd senior Mikia Payne.
The rushing attack was not the only thing that was clicking offensively for the Eagles. Senior Quarterback Xavier Lopez made a good amount of plays in the passing game, completing 8-of-13 pass attempts and throwing three touchdowns.
“His overall performance tonight was outstanding,” RCB coach Josh Gorrell said of Lopez. “I thought he stood in the pocket and threw the ball well. Very proud of Xavier and the job he did.
“We are doing what we are doing because of the five guys up front and (offensive line) coach (Teague) Wagner.”
King did have some great running lanes to go through. The play of the night though was King’s ability to break tackle after tackle in the open field and finished it with a 72-yard touchdown run.
Robert C Byrd ended up going into halftime with a 44-7 lead and scored only in the second half on a 14-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Lucas.
After two drives in the second half, Gorrell put in reserves.
For East Fairmont (0-2), it was a struggle in the first half. Quarterback Clay Hershberger struggled to get anything going through the air, completing 4-of-15 attempts for 78 yards and one interception. He spent most of his time running away from defenders and finished with 26 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Just before halftime, Hershberger had to be sidelined due to injury. In stepped freshman Ian Crookshanks and he made quite the impression.
Crookshanks completed 8-of-15 attempts for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also made some plays on the ground with 23 yards and another touchdown.