Published: November 15, 2008 12:50 am            

Rams live up to top billing

Raceland crushes Clinton, 61-12

RACELAND — Raceland didn’t waste any time proving its brand new No. 1 ranking.

The Rams scored 29 points in the first quarter and rolled over Clinton County 61-12 Friday night in the Class A playoff opener at Rams Stadium.

Raceland will take its 11-0 record into a showdown with neighborhood rival Fairview in the second round of the playoffs next week. The Rams won the regular-season meeting by a score of 37-12.

Raceland took over the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll for the first time in school history this week. The Rams showed why they belong with a lopsided win over 1-10 Clinton County.

The Rams’ offense got on the board early and often in the first half. The Rams first score came on a 3-yard run by Cody Kelly, just seconds into the game.

John Scott Carver had another outstanding game, scoring three touchdowns, two rushing and one on a 44-yard punt return, all in the first half. Carver also eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the season during the game. He finished with 77 yards rushing on five carries before giving way to reserves.

Raceland Coach Randy Vanderhoof was pleased with his team’s performance overall. “They did what they had to do in the first half,” he said. “They took control of the ballgame early.”

Raceland’s defense also played well, holding Clinton County 108 yards of total offense.

The Rams’ stingy run defense kept the Bulldogs to negative rushing for the entire game.

“Coach (T.J.) Maynard and our assistant coaches did a great job preparing our kids this week,” Vanderhoof said. “And our kids went out tonight and executed and played well on defense. Hopefully that will continue.”

The Bulldogs got points late in the second quarter, when Dillon Crawford picked off a pass and took it 40 yards for the score. Clinton County’s only other points came with seconds left in the fourth quarter, when quarterback Brent Durham scrambled 34 yards to the end zone.

Raceland outrushed Clinton 334 to minus 2, thoroughly dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football.

With the sloppy playing conditions, Vanderhoof was pleased to come out of the game with no injuries.

“We came out pretty clean and hopefully that will continue next week during practice,” he said.

        

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