Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PEDRO — The Rock Hill Redmen are getting closer.

After going 1-9 last season, the Redmen are looking to make strides this year and they may very well do so if Friday’s opener is any indication.

The Redmen limited Minford to 20 plays in the first half and trailed just 7-6. But two quick turnovers led to a pair of touchdowns as the Falcons went on to beat the Redmen 40-6.

“We played pretty well for two and a half quarters and then the wheels fell off,” said Rock Hill coach Todd Knipp.

“But I was pleased with our effort against a good team. You can’t turn the ball over like that and expect to win.”

Minford took a 7-0 lead before Rock Hill’s Chance Blankenship scored on a 4-yard run to get within 7-6 with 1:16 left in the first half.

Minford scored at the 6:41 mark of the third quarter and then recovered two fumbles that led to a pair of touchdowns in a 23-second span to blow the game open at 27-6.

Rock Hill rushed 42 times for 193 yards. Jonah Cox carried 16 times for 82 yards.

Drew McClaskey ran five times for 46 yards, Blankenship had 43 yards on 12 tries, Brady Knipp 16 yards on two attempts, Matt Malone 5 yards on one carry, Brendon McCormick 3 yards on one attempt, Jake Malone 2 yards on one carry and Jake Falls one carry for no gain.

Quarterback Gabe Marzicola was 1-of-4 passing for 8 yards. Austin Collins had the reception.

Levi Jenkins ran for a pair of Minford touchdowns while Nathan Compton ran for one score and also caught a touchdown pass.

Quarterback Cody Stapleton ran for a touchdown and threw a scoring strike to Zach Jenkins.

Each team had three fumbles and lost them all. Rock Hill was penalized eight times for 55 yards and Minford had six penalties for 77 yards.

“We’re learning from our mistakes and now we have to correct them,” said Knipp. “Minford has a nice team.”

The Redmen punted seven times for a 23.0 average while the Falcons had two kicks for 34 yards.

Minford 7 0 19 21 = 40

Rock Hill 6 0 0 0 = 6