A solid defensive start by the Columbus East football team in the first quarter of the Hoosier Hills Conference game against New Albany on Friday helped give the Olympians a 20-point cushion after one quarter.
East’s defensive line caused havoc in the New Albany backfield during the first period and helped the Olympians to a 77-34 win.
“I thought we came out with a lot of intensity early,” East coach Bob Gaddis said. “Up front defensively, I thought we played really well. We did a good job of containing their tailback in the first quarter, and then it was like we kind of relaxed a little bit.”
The Bulldogs (2-3, 1-2) got their offense rolling with their running game in the final three quarters, but could not keep East out of the end zone. It was a running back showdown between Jamon Hogan of East and Darquan Richardson of New Albany.
Hogan matched the Bulldogs total touchdowns with five on his way to rushing for 198 yards. He had all three of East’s first-quarter scores.
Richardson found a few holes in the final plays of the first quarter to get him rolling for the remainder of the game. He finished with 268 yards and two touchdowns.
“Darquan Richardson is a really good back,” Gaddis said. “I think they have a really good scheme. They practice and do a good job. We just have to respond to that. If we’re going to put ourselves in position to win a conference championship, we have to be more consistent across the board.”
The Olympians (4-1, 3-0) ended with 11 rushing touchdowns. Jaedin Miller had three touchdowns and 108 yards while quarterback Josh Major ran for two touchdowns and 112 yards. Major also threw for 178 yards completing 10 of his 11 throws.
“I think our offensive line did a great job of controlling the front,” Gaddis said. “(New Albany) came out in a different front than we practiced against. I thought our kids adjusted to that very well. I thought up front, they did a great job and all three of our backs ran well.”
Lance Greiwe added a 41-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
