Imposing their will on the ground, the Ropes Eagles cruise past Texico Wolverines 50-8, improving to 2-0.
Entering the game allowing 12.5 points per game, the Wolverines’ defense had no answer for the Eagles’ rushing attack, primarily senior running back Jaivyth Cruz.
Cruz rushed for 227 yards and five touchdowns, finding weak points in the Wolverines’ defense.
Ropes head coach Beau Riker understood the challenge that the Wolverines presented, but Riker knew if his players executed, they’d be able to have success.
“Texico was a really good group; they had a great few players in the box,” Riker said. “But our kids stayed on path and got their blocks, and we executed.”
Already at nine touchdowns two games into the season, Cruz is more than halfway to having as many touchdowns as last year’s running back, Ryland Keith.
What Cruz provides as a runner draws comparison to what Keith brought to the table last year in the same position.
They’re built a lot alike; built low to the ground, super aggressive,” Riker said. “They’re not going to go down usually with one person on the tackle; it takes multiple people.”
The Eagles look to keep leaning on Cruz and the run game throughout the season, including against their next opponent, the Panhandle Panthers, which coach Riker said will be “the toughest team we’ve played up to this point.”
“They’re big up front, get to the ball really well defensively,” Riker said about the challenges the Panthers will present.
Being fundamentally sound on their offensive line will be the key for the Eagles to continue their success on the ground versus a bigger opponent.
“We got to get to our blocks and maintain those blocks,” Riker said. “We can’t just off blocks and get to the second level.”
At home, in Ropesville, the Eagles look to have home-field advantage versus the Panthers at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18.