Cleburne Times-Review, Cleburne, TX

Sports

September 5, 2009

Elks win, 32-22, move to 2-0

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By Dale Gosser/managing editor

BURLESON — Even though a suspected lightning strike disabled the scoreboard and time clock at Elk Stadium, Burleson continued where it left off in Week Zero by attacking its second opponent with a plethora of rushers.

The Elks (2-0) improved on their 436 Week Zero rushing attack to compile 514 yards on Friday night in a 32-22 victory against Justin Northwest (0-2).

Led by Theo Hollars’ 213 yards on 18 attempts and Blake Smith’s 161 yards on 22 carries, Burleson bolted to a 24-0 lead and was never threatened by Northwest’s streaky offense. About the only obstacle the Elks have faced in two games is kicking an extra point. Burleson has made one extra point while scoring 10 touchdowns in two games.

Smith started the scoring with a 5-yard run in the first quarter on the Elks’ first possession. The 11-play, 53-yard drive was paced by three backs – Smith, Hollars and Reggie Brooks. The trio had 43 of the 53 yards, while quarterback Brice Warren picked up the other 10.

After forcing the Texans to turn the ball over on downs at the Elk 34, Burleson marched 66 yards in eight plays to increase its lead. Amery Duncan blasted through the line and raced 32 yards to make it 12-0.

As Northwest struggled to find its offensive prowess, Burleson put the game away with two plays in the third quarter. Hollars made several moves on Texan defenders before racing 90 yards on the Elks’ first play of the second half. On its ensuing possession, Burleson received another boost when Smith took the ball 63 yards on the first play to make it 24-0.

Northwest did find its offensive groove later in the third quarter when quarterback Taylor Barnhill rushed for the two scores from 7 and 1-yard, respectively. But it was Barnhill’s arm that did most of the work. He connected with wideout Chris Bain for 40 yards to set up the first score.

On the Texans’ next drive Barnhill hit Bain for 16 yards and receive Eric Clinton for 11 more to set up the second touchdown.

Burleson answered with a 12-play, 70-yard drive capped by Duncan’s second touchdown of the contest from 3-yards out. Duncan added the two-point conversion run to extend the lead to 32-14.

Northwest added a touchdown late in the fourth on a 6-yard run by Cameron Langer.

Barnhill finished the game 14-of-24 passing for 161 yards. Clinton led all receivers with 76 yards on eight catches. Bain had 72 yards on four receptions.

Burleson threw two passes, both in the first half, completing one for 15 yards to tight end Patrick Houston from Corey Bailey. Overall, the Elks rushed the ball 61 times for 514 yards. Duncan added 79 yards on six carries and Bailey had 34 on four carries.

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