Early sprint is all Roadrunners need

Nazareth's Johnny Nelson carries the ball during the first quarter against Clark.
(Scott Powers/For the Sun-Times)

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It wasn’t a bad first week for Nazareth junior LaSteven McKinney.

The all-purpose back finished with 11 carries, three rushing touchdowns and two receptions and had the chance to relax on the sideline the entire second half as the No. 23 Roadrunners rolled to a 51-6 win over visiting Clark.

‘‘It’s always great to score three touchdowns in a game,’’ said McKinney, who finished with 94 all-purpose yards. ‘‘It was an all-around team effort. My teammates allowed me to score those three touchdowns.’’

McKinney’s numbers were the most impressive, but it was a lopsided win that was created by everyone from the Roadrunners’ starters to their bench.

After going ahead 44-0 at halftime, Nazareth coach Tim Racki sat his starters the final two quarters.

‘‘We accomplished what we wanted to accomplish today,’’ Racki said. ‘‘I’m not going to complain anytime about a win.’’

The Roadrunners’ offense got the game rolling on the first possession with a nine-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a five-yard touchdown run by McKinney. Nazareth’s defense took over from there and didn’t allow Clark a positive yard until its third offensive possession.

Clark quarterback Dexter Beverly connected with Marco Dodd for a 34-yard touchdown in the game’s final minute to prevent the shutout.