Warrensburg powers over Bishop Gibbons, 64-18

Warrensburg running back Nolan Maltbie charges forward for a substantial gain during a game against Bishop Gibbons Saturday Sept. 15 that the Burghers won 64-18. Maltbie racked up three touchdowns and 73 rushing yards in the balanced team effort. Photo by Thom Randall.

By Thom Randall

As of Saturday, September 15, 2012 -8:10 p.m.

WARRENSBURG — Blow the dust off the Burgher gridiron record books.

The Warrensburg football team, after a disappointing 0-2 start to their 2012 season, blew away Bishop Gibbons by the widest margin and the most touchdowns in recent history.

The Burghers' beefy offensive line provided the opportunity for a roster of running backs to tear down the field in the 64-18 rout.

Leading the balanced offensive attack was running back Nolan Maltbie with three touchdowns and 73 rushing yards; Connor Scott with 90 yards on the ground and an 85-yard touchdown on a kickoff return; and Nick Nedelcu with two touchdown runs, including the final one of the game, a 48-yard gain. Adding to the score were Colt Ovitt with 34 yards and Joey Schuster with a 20-yard touchdown. Receiver Shea Irish added a 46-yard touchdown reception on a pass thrown by quarterback Marcus Perrone.

Running up the score was Freshman Alex Barber, who ran no less than 8 two-point conversions and 44 rushing yards.

On defense, Danny Ackley was aggressive, accomplishing 13 tackles, two quarterback sacks and a blocked punt.

Burgher Caoch Mike Leonbruno declined to name any individual players.

But Bishop Gibbons Coach Tom Pallas said that Warrensburg's offensive line was a critical element in the game.

"We knew Warrensburg would run the ball well, and it was our challenge to stop them — but we weren't able to do it," he said. "Their offensive line executed very well — they did what they were supposed to do."

The offensive line — which includes Adam Langworthy, John Russell, Rodgers McLaughlin, John Kindred, Jerico Converse and Blake Vaisey — powered through the defense, creating wide gaps for the Burgher runners.

In various plays, they mowed down the defense with their bulk and strength — coaches say they've been working out in the weight room this year to prepare for the season.

Denpubs.com