Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
SESSER — Sesser-Valier/Waltonville junior Jace Erwin ran for 224 yards including a 76-yard touchdown run, and the Red Devils’ defense held the area’s leading rusher in check as SVW shut out Carmi-White County 32-0 in a matchup of early season unbeatens.
Bulldogs’ senior Noah Pollard came into the game with 550 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in Carmi-White County’s first two games (the third was forfeit win from Vienna/Goreville). Pollard rushed for 131 yards against the Red Devils but needed 30 carries to get there and could not find the endzone.
With SVW leading 6-0 late in the second quarter, the Bulldogs put together a drive deep into Red Devils territory but eventually turned it over on downs. SVW then marched down the field with Trace Payne and Kyan Short combining for a 30-yard touchdown pass and run with 1:16 left in the half for a 12-0 lead.
The Red Devils then took the opening possession of the third and added to the lead on Caeden Hicks’ second rushing touchdown of the game. Erwin’s bolt came with 7:46 to play and pretty much sealed the deal.
Jaxon Borta added a 12-yard TD run with 2:06 to play to finish out the scoring.
The win was number 256 for SVW co-head coach Mike Rude, which moves him into a tie for 20th on the IHSA’s all-time wins list.
The Red Devils improve to 4-0. They will make the short trek south next week for a date against CZR in the Black Diamond’s Rivalry Week.
The Bulldogs fall to 3-1. They will be home next week to host rival Fairfield.
