Jackson leads Richland Northeast past Airport

Richland Northeast’s Aloysius Jackson did his best Lamar Jackson impression, leading the Cavaliers to a 48-13 win over Airport.

The RNE quarterback looked like the Louisville sophomore, beating the Eagles with his legs and arms. The Cavs’ senior threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, putting up more than 285 yards of total offense.

“Aloysius had a big game, had a couple of running backs play well,” RNE coach Jay Frye said. “We really focused in on offense this week, just an overall team effort.”

Airport jumped to an early lead when Brett Burnett hit Kerryon Richardson on the third play of the game. Richardson caught the ball over the middle, and sprinted to the end zone untouched for 64 yards.

Richland Northeast’s defensive line took over in the second quarter, harassing Burnett and stuffing the Airport rushing attack.

“We were able to get the quick strike early, but then bogged down, missed some blocks,” Airport coach Kirk Burnett said. “We could never recover. It was a total loss for us.”

Frye said his defense has been the cornerstone for the Cavs to start the season, and have kept his team in every game.

“Defense has been solid all year,” Frye said. “Airport has so many weapons, but they really buckled down and played really well after that first drive.

Burnett is left to fix more mistakes as the Eagles look to rally in region play.

“It was a tough loss, but I’ve been there before as a coach,” Burnett said. “We don’t have the players that have been there before, so we’ll have to see who steps up.”

RNE looks to keep the momentum going as it opens region play against York next week.

“People tell us we were just one point from being undefeated, but we’re going out like we’re 0-0,” Jackson said. “Coach tells us not to get complacent, we’re trying to win every game, and that’s how we’re going to play in region.”

TURNING POINT

Brett Burnett was pressured by the RNE defensive line and tried to flip a pass to his receiver while falling down. Defensive back Michael Joyner stepped in front of the pass and returned it eight yards for a touchdown, giving the Cavs a 20-7 lead.

KEY PERFORMERS

Aloysius Jackson: 151 yards rushing and a touchdown, 134 yards passing and three touchdowns. Did not play the fourth quarter.

Charles Simons: Caught two touchdown passes and ran for another.

KEY NUMBERS

3: Richland Northeast had three touchdowns called back due to penalties. They scored on the next play twice.

20: Points scored by Richland Northeast off three Airport turnovers.

THEY SAID IT

“We’re going to have to flush some attitudes going forward and find some kids that want to play the right way,” – Kirk Burnett, after his team’s 48-13 loss to RNE

HOW THEY SCORED