It really wasn’t even a challenge for Reeltown.
In the second round of the AHSAA Class 2A playoffs, Reeltown was clicking on all cylinders but one facet stood out among the rest — the rushing game.
The Rebels obliterated the Tigers, 57-14, advancing to the quarterfinals. Running backs Traylen Roberts and Rell Lockhart seemingly picked up a first down on every one of their carries and it shows in their stat lines. Roberts ended the night with 12 carries for 112 yards for one touchdown while Lockhart finished with six carries for 67 and two touchdowns.
Those two were not alone.
Tae Martin added 124 rushing yards on five carries with a touchdown, quarterback JaMarkius Smith scored on one of his only two carries and in the fourth quarter Hudson Wood scampered in for the final Rebel touchdown. That all brought the grand total to 394 rushing yards, with Reeltown coach Matt Johnson crediting not just his backs but the guys blocking for them.
“We've been very blessed and fortunate to have been really good up front,” Johnson said. “Our backs are blocking. Backs are running hard, seeing the holes, being patient and protecting the football. It was wet out here tonight and I don’t think we had a turnover.”
Reeltown won the turnover battle, 3-0. In addition to what he did on offense, Lockhart forced a fumble which was recovered by Martin; Dee Brown caught himself a pick off a batted pass attempt; and Alijah Woods closed the first half with an interception of his own.
Woods also returned one of his kick return attempts for 85 yards following Luverne’s first touchdown of the night.
Although almost everything the Rebels did was successful, the only thing holding them back was penalties. On what seemed like every play, either offense or defense, a flag was flying with most of the Rebels’ crowd knowing who it was against. Some flags were warranted, while others were questionable, to say the least. However, Johnson stressed to his team it should focus only on what it can control.
“Control the controllables,” Johnson said. “There's a lot of (penalties) we can (control) and some of them you can't (control), but you gotta play for things that you can control. I was proud of them for doing that.”
Next up for Reeltown is undefeated Cottonwood, which is coming off a 52-24 victory over Goshen tonight. Although Johnson was focused on the game against Luverne, he is aware of what’s to come next week.
“We just have to continue to get better,” Johnson said. “I hadn't looked at Cottonwood. I know they had a really good team. We played them last year, and they were young, so I know Coach (Dustin) Harrison does a remarkable job, so I know they'll be coached; they'll have a really good team.”
Until then, Reeltown will celebrate its dominating second-round victory and will be back to action next Friday.