Ramirez, Taft run over Rowe-Clark

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:26PM

Most teams enter the first game of the season with more questions than answers.

Taft is not different, but they put away the doubts early.

The consensus pick to capture the Big Shoulders conference, the Eagles scored on six of their seven first half possessions in running out to a 41-0 lead in their 54-0 demolishing of Rowe-Clark in the season-opener of both teams Friday afternoon at Lane Stadium.

Senior running back Omar Ramirez scored five touchdowns and quarterback Michael Shewchuk added two touchdown passes to power the Eagles' attack.

Taft used dominant special teams and an aggressive defense in taking repeated advantage of short fields. Ramirez (11 carries, 90 yards) scored on runs of eight, 12, six and one yard in the first half.

"Especially the way the offensive line was blocking the way they did today, teams have to account for me," said Ramirez.

He capped his afternoon with an 11-yard burst up the middle in the third quarter to punctuate the dominant performance.

"The offensive line is going to open up stuff for the running back and the receivers the whole year," Ramirez said.

Shewchuk (four-of-seven, 43 yards) completed touchdown passes of 15 and nine yards to receivers George Vidas and Douglas Manis, respectively. He opened the scoring with the 15-yard touchdown throw on fourth-and seven on the Eagles‘ opening series to ignite the rout.

"We obviously didn't have to pass that much," Shewchuk said.

"Our running game was spectacular and the line did a great job of opening up holes for Omar to run through."

Reserve Gerardo Bucio (five carries, 72 yards) closed the scoring with a 47-yard jaunt in the fourth quarter.

Rowe-Clark (0-1) never crossed midfield and was limited to -2 yards total offense and had just one first down on a 10-yard run by junior back Lanard James. Taft forced two turnovers.

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