The Russell County Lakers (3-0) built a commanding lead in the first half Friday night against Warren Central and came home with a 63-22 victory, giving the Lakers three wins to start the season including two district wins.
The Lakers racked up 266 yards rushing and five touchdowns in the victory, with senior running backs Collin Darnell and Dylan Bland leading the way for the Lakers. Darnell led the team in yards with 126 accompanied by a touchdown. Bland picked up three scores on the ground with 71 yards rushing. Quarterback Gavin Gossage picked up 43 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Gossage threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns, both to CJ VonFumetti, who added 70 yards receiving.
Darnell also returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the win.
The Laker defense came through in a big way Friday night, creating five turnovers. Sophomore Brandon Leach recovered two fumbles and VonFumetti recovered one, while Gage Hicks and Kelby Grider each recorded interceptions.
Mason Hinkle once again led the Lakers in tackles with six, followed by VonFumetti and Hicks with four each.
A look at the Lakers stats through three games
Team Stats
158 points scored, 41 points allowed
749 rushing yards, 262 rushing yards allowed
393 passing yards, 496 passing yards allowed
Passing
Gavin Gossage: 22/43, 393 yards, 7 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Rushing
Collin Darnell: 38 carries, 302 yards, 3 touchdowns
Dylan Bland: 39 carries, 214 yards, 5 touchdowns
Gavin Gossage: 23 carries, 159 yards, 3 touchdowns
Mason Hinkle: 6 carries, 26 yards, 1 touchdown
Receiving
CJ VonFumetti: 9 catches, 178 yards, 5 touchdowns
Collin Darnell: 6 catches, 108 yards
Kelby Grider: 3 catches, 61 yards, 1 touchdown
Tackles
Mason Hinkle: 29 tackles
CJ Vonfumetti: 25 tackles
Gage Hicks: 16 tackles
Colton Feece: 14 tackles
Interceptions
Gage Hicks, Kelby Grider, Gavin Gossage, and CJ Vonfumetti: one interception each
Special Teams
Yarley Medrano: 18/20 PAT
Miscellaneous
Collin Darnell: two return touchdowns
Dylan Bland: one return touchdown
