Steven Boone continues rushing rampage
By Eric Clark
Sports Editor
Since he was a sophomore Marion running back Steven Boone has been blasting would-be tacklers and racking up yards in monstrous proportions.
The 5'10," 207-pounder is making a mockery of the word "opposing defense," and turning heads in the process.
Needing just 79 yards to break the 1000-yard mark for the season, Boone has rushed for 921 yards in only six games. He's carried the ball 123 times; which works out to roughly 7 1/2 yards per carry. Boone is among the state's top rushers, ranking in the top 10 consistently from week one to the present.
Boone has helped his team cruise to 5-1 record overall during a five-game winning streak. In the past three games, the Warriors have outscored their opponents 141-14.
According to head coach Grant Thierolf the Marion running game is "clicking" because of the team's offensive line and the hard running of the Warrior running backs.
According to Thierolf, Boone has been a big part of the Warriors success running the ball.
"Steven Boone has been our feature back for the past three years, and has done a great job for us," Thierolf said. "He is a throw-back football player, who could have played in any era and for any team in Marion High School history.
"He runs the ball with authority and almost never gets stopped for a negative yardage play. He keeps his leg drive going and plays with leverage which gives him an opportunity for a big run on any play."
Boone's smash-mouth style of running echoes the intensity of his coach. Thierolf, in his 16th year at MHS, admits Boone's ability is sometimes overlooked because of his consistency as a running back.
"I don't know that Steven has had any moment in a game that has made us stop and say, 'wow'," Thierolf said. "I guess that's because he's so consistent. He is not flashy, he just gets the job done."
In a game in which he rushed for 116 yards on 24 carries, Thierolf said Boone's performance against Sacred Heart late in the fourth quarter was one of his finest performances this season.
"Against Sacred Heart, in the fourth quarter, when (Sacred Heart) knew he was going to get the ball, he still picked up 56 yards in the last quarter, that was his best game of the year to date," Thierolf said.
With Wichita Independent left on the CVL chopping block, and Bluestem and Eureka left in regional play, Thierolf said he thinks Boone may just be warming up.
"I think Steven's best games are yet to come," Thierolf said. "He will shine in the playoffs, he loves the big-game atmosphere."
