By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Five first-half touchdowns and a stingy defense put the Ruston High Bearcats (7-2, 2-2 District 2-5A) over the top Friday night in a 49-0 Homecoming victory over Pineville (3-6, 0-4 District 2-5A) and snapped a two-game losing streak.
“It was really good to see our guys come out ready to play,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I thought we did what we needed to do to get back in the win column.”
Ruston High struck first with a five-yard touchdown run by senior running back Jordan Hayes with 9:32 to go in the first quarter. After stopping Pineville on fourth down on their ensuing drive, the Bearcats scored again with an 18-yard touchdown grab by sophomore wide receiver Ahmad Hudson with 2:42 to go in the opening stanza.
Hayes would then tack on his second touchdown of the first half from four yards away with 0:16 to go in the first.
Despite everything going Ruston’s way in the first half, Bearcat senior quarterback Josh Brantley, however, would re-aggravate an ankle injury midway through the second quarter, leading to sophomore quarterback Sam Hartwell taking over until the fourth quarter. According to Baugh postgame, Brantley would have been okay to go back in if Ruston needed him to at any point.
Senior running back Dylone Brooks found the end zone for the first time with a seven-yard touchdown run with 6:03 to go in the first half. Senior cornerback Aidan Anding would return a punt for a touchdown less than three minutes later from 45 yards away, giving Ruston a 35-0 lead going into the halftime lockerroom.
Brooks took his second touchdown in of the night from 51 yards out with 9:29 left to play in the third quarter, putting Ruston up 42-0 and leading to a running clock for the remainder of the game. The large lead gave Ruston the opportunity to put in some players that don’t see a lot of varsity time, which was a goal for Baugh and his staff going into this game.
“It always helps develop your program,” Baugh said. “Anytime those guys can get some good snaps against an opponent, it does you good for the future. I thought our guys did a good job staying focused regardless of what the score ended up being and continuing to play hard.”
Bearcat freshman Dalen Powell scored the final touchdown of the night with a three-yard score with 8:15 left to play for the final 49-0.
Ruston’s defense held Pineville to under 100 yards of total offense, giving up 52 yards rushing and 27 yards through the air. The Bearcat offense ran for 236 yards while throwing for 185.
Brooks led all rushers with 103 yards and a pair of scores. Hayes added 61 yards on the night.
Senior wide receiver Joran Parker made a couple of spectacular grabs for 63 yards receiving on two catches.
Ruston will now turn its attention to the West Monroe Rebels for the final game of the regular season. The Bearcats are currently still in the top four of the Power Rankings, which would give them a needed first round bye to start the postseason for the third year in a row.
Kickoff at Rebel Stadium will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
