After its game against Lakewood was postponed on Friday due to field conditions, the Rosewood football team was more than ready to face the Leopards on Monday evening.
The Eagles rushed for 345 yards and eight touchdowns as a team, and Rosewood dominated Lakewood 63-21 at Branch Pope Field.
“I saw a better performance because we did not allow big plays to be thrown over the top of our heads. I thought our offensive line played outstanding, and the running backs are doing a great job of trusting the play,” Rosewood head coach Robert Britt said. “When we run the ball like that, we don’t have to throw it a whole lot.
“Defensively, we are a young group, and we have to get better in some areas, and probably the biggest one is tackling, but overall, I was pleased.”
Senior running back Avante George established the game’s tone on Rosewood’s second drive.
After Lakewood tied the game 7-7 late in the first quarter, George used his strength and elusiveness to break free for a 57-yard touchdown on the drive’s first play.
Lakewood fumbled on its next possession, and running behind a dominant offensive line, Terquavis Butler ran for a 29-yard touchdown, and in the blink of an eye, the Eagles built up a 21-7 lead.
“Avante is benefiting from years of hard work. He doesn’t get outworked in the weight room, and he’s an outstanding leader. He encourages others, and he’s one the kids can follow,” Britt said.
On its next possession, Lakewood turned the ball over on downs, and two plays later, quarterback Will Harris got in on the action with a five-yard touchdown run.
The Leopards fumbled on their next possession, and the Eagles took advantage when George broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown run.
Lakewood managed to score a touchdown late in the second quarter, but Rosewood still led 35-14 at halftime.
On the opening kickoff of the second half, Rosewood responded to Lakewood’s late touchdown when George returned the kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown.
From there, the Eagles continued to roll, with Butler, Harris, and David Lamm all finding the end zone.
With the running clock going in the fourth quarter, the Eagles cruised to their fourth straight win.
“I have to commend our coaching staff,” Britt said. “We were going to keep coaching until the clock is down to zero.”
George finished the game with 208 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Butler ran for 76 yards and three touchdowns.
Rosewood (4-0 overall) travels to Union (0-3) on Friday.
