Warriors derail Railers
n Marion compiles 350 total yards to cruise past Herington
By Eric Clark
Sports Editor
Marion's supremacy over Cottonwood Valley League opponents continued Friday night in Marion as the Warriors rolled to a 44-0 victory over a hapless Herington team.
The win was the fifth-straight for the Warriors and their fourth consecutive CVL victory.
Like the three games before, Marion exploded early.
At the 8:02 mark of the first quarter, Marion's Casey Nelson punched in a four-yard touchdown to start the Warrior touchdown downpour. After Steven Boone's PAT sailed through the uprights, the Warrior led 7-0.
Minutes later, Clayton Chamberland hooked up with Calvin Riggs for 40 yards that set up a Boone three-yard blast for a touchdown at the 4:28 mark of the first quarter. After the PAT kick, the Warrior had a 14-point advantage.
In the second quarter Boone skirted around the left side of the line and rumbled 48 yards into the touchdown, but the run was called back.
After the penalty and another running play, Boone mimicked his earlier run going 35 yards around the left side of the line for paydirt. Boone's extra-point kick was blocked but the Warriors led 20-0.
Later in the second quarter, Boone added two additional touchdowns from one and seven yards out respectively. Both PATs failed but Marion took a 32-point lead into the locker room at intermission.
Chamberland's two touchdowns in the third quarter both from two yards out, gave Marion a 44-0 lead after the fourth and fifth consecutive botched PATs.
Both teams were held scoreless in the final quarter.
Chamberland's TDs were all Marion needed to fend off the Railers who failed to score in the contest.
Since their lost to Minneapolis in the first game of the season, Marion has outscored its opponents 174-35.
While holding Herington scoreless, the Warrior defense also held the Railers to just 125 total yards and seven first downs.
Boone led Marion tacklers with five solo tackles and one assisted tackle. Jimmy Shipman had four solo tackles, three assists, two tackles for a loss, and a sack. Stubenhofer had three solo tackles and two interceptions in the game. Josh Smith and Josh Kelsey each had a fumble recovery.
Marion's running game once again took center stage. The Warriors racked up 350 total yards on the night. The backfield combined for 301 yards on the ground, while Chamberland threw for the other 49 yards.
"We are pleased with the running game so far," head coach Grant Thierolf said. "When we have a senior quarterback who has run the offense for 16 games we should be running it well and Clayton has so far."
Steven Boone remained on track in the rushing department gaining 172 yards on 22 carries, an average of 7.82 yards every time he touched the ball. The senior also rushed for four touchdowns.
Nelson carried the ball seven times for 78 yards, a little over 11 yards a carry.
"Casey Nelson gives us a dimension of speed that we haven't had for some time. He gets to the corner fast and turns up the field with authority. He will be a fine back for us in the future."
Marion hosts Wichita Independent Friday night during senior night, with a chance to win the CVL with a victory over the Panthers. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.
"We think it is important to win the league championship, but the game has added significance since it is the first round of district games," Thierolf said of Friday's contest. "We must be successful in these next three games in order to advance into the playoffs. It would be nice to win the CVL in its last year of existence."
