SPARTA — The Highland Scots ran all over the visiting Mount Gilead Indians, rolling up 312 yards on the ground and mauling them 42-0 in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference action on Friday.
The Scots (5-3, 5-2 MOAC) took control from the start, driving 70 yards on six plays to open the game. The drive was highlighted by a 40-yard run on the opening handoff by Highland running back Shawn Beltz (five rushes, 85 yards.) Teammate David Fisher (14 rushes, 133 yards) took the pitch out and ran it the final 11 yards to put the Scots on top, 7-0, less than three minutes into the game.
“It’s all due to our line,” said Fisher. “They’re all blocking for me. Beltz goes around the corner. He and I are like brothers. We block for each other. I got the flip. Beltz zipped across and blocked on the end for me. Then I cut up and we got a touchdown.”
Mount Gilead (1-6, 1-5 MOAC) lost the ball, fumbling on a bad snap from center on their very first play from scrimmage. The Scots swarmed all over the ball at the Indians’ 26. On the very next play, Beltz ran it in for another Highland touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
“It’s really important to us to come out and get a good start,” said Beltz, “and that all starts up front with our linemen.”
The Indians got the ball back and were fourth-and-17 at the Scots’ 35 yard line. Mount Gilead quarterback Payton Vanderkooi went back to pass and overthrew his receiver. Vanderkooi put it into the hands of Highland defensive back Gabe Randall, who was waiting at the five yard line for the interception.
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