Harris’ first half propels Leo

Updated: October 1, 2011 6:49PM

Keith Harris came one carry short of setting an all-time Leo record as he ran for 298 first-half yards and four touchdowns in leading the Lions to a commanding 42-0 win over St. Joseph Chargers, Saturday in Westchester.

Ten years ago Corey Rodgers had run for 302 yards and six touchdowns for Leo (3-3, 2-1 Catholic League Red), also in the first half.

Harris ran the ball 25 times and scored the game’s first three touchdowns, but never got tired. “We run a lot of sprints in practice,” Harris explained, “so the game doesn’t tire me out.”

“He’s a good running back,” St. Joseph (0-6, 0-3) coach Anthony Griffin said, “He runs hard and when a player plays hard you need to match that intensity in order to stop him.”

At one point Leo was attempting a two-point conversion from the 8-yard line and Harris appeared to be stopped for no gain. Lineman Donnie Meekins came up behind him and literally pushed Harris into the end zone. “I told you I had your back,” Meekins yelled jubilantly to Harris.

The only flaw on Harris’ day came on a fumble as St. Joseph was able to strip away the ball. “Too much dancing,” Harris explained.

Even though Harris sat out the second half, sophomore Theodore Hopkins continued where Harris left off, running for an additional 100 yards in the second half and scoring the final touchdown of the game. Hopkins even blocked a St. Joseph punt leading to a safety. He finished with 128 yards on 11 carries.

Getting behind 20-0 in the first quarter forced St. Joseph to take to the air. But even though there were receivers open downfield new quarterback Robert Calvin was unable to connect with them.

“He’s new at the position,” Coach Griffin explained, “He’ll be good the more he plays.”

“Some of the team got scared because of what Leo did to us last year,” said St. Joseph corner Joshua Owens said, “We knew they were going to run a lot.”

Coach Griffin agreed. “Leo came out and beat us,” Holmes said. “I expect to compete and play hard each and every week. But we’re a young team. Our JV team is doing real well. St. Joseph football is going to be good in the future.”

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