Running rampant: Sonego's 405 yards, four touchdowns powers Rittman past South Central

RITTMAN - Coach Tyler Dennis knew expectations were going to be high this season for Rittman.

Returning a lot from last year's team that made the playoffs losing by one to Cuyahoga Heights in the opening round, there was going to be pressure coming into 2024.

With Friday night's 37-14 win over South Central, Rittman caps off a perfect start to the season in nonleague play for the second consecutive year, and just the second time since 2005.

"We had a lot returning from last year so expectations were high and our nonleague really improved in the offseason," Dennis said. "We've been in some battles … we've been in some some dog fights with some really good teams. Knock on wood, but we've stayed healthy so far. We've been able to have really big second halves and it helps when you when you return everybody up front.

"Our offensive line is the key for us, and then we have a really talented running back that we put a lot on his plate. But we're still a work in progress."

From the very start Rittman wanted to pound the rock as much as possible to wear down the South Central defense. Behind a strong performance from his offensive line, senior tailback Artie Sonego rushed for 405 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries. Quarterback Brayden Louk had a 20-yard run to round out scoring.

"Coming into the this year with the work we put in the offseason, seeing my line grow, and other individuals grow," Sonego said. "Seeing the potential that we are starting to get closer to, I was very pumped and excited for this season. We knew we were going to have some great games, it just so happens today was one of those.

"But I want to give a huge shout out to the line because without them this wouldn't have been possible whatsoever."

South Central coach Derek Fisher knew exactly what Rittman wanted to do and tried to use that same strategy. And for large chunks of the game, it was successful.

"I told our kids that they want to run the ball, but I'm not disappointed with our run game either," Fisher said. "And if they want to run it and it turns into a running game, I think we can hold our own. We're just running out of different formations than they do."

Late in the first half South Central made it a one-score game after quarterback Aaron Hauler ripped off a 37-yard run. But a blocked punt by Christian DuBiel out of the end zone to end the half shifted momentum back in Rittman's favor and a third quarter downpour gave the hosts with a veteran line the edge as rushing was the only option.

"Both teams were in shotgun probably 98% of the time," Fisher said. "We were both going through the same thing with trying to control the snap. Some kickoffs got away from us that we weren't expecting, but it made for a slippery ball on both sides of the ball.

"They got some tough kids, and a really good running back. We just weren't able to keep them at bay."

Sonego rushed in touchdowns of 91 and 72 yards in the second half to almost put the game to rest, but the Trojans never quit marching down the field one final time with Hauler barreling in from a yard out on fourth down.

"We told our guys that we showed a lot of grit for a team that's 0-3," Fisher said. "We stayed in there, we threw a lot at them tonight. The elements and some adversity hit early, and not only did they stick together, but they showed us a lot. I don't think our record is indicative of the heart and desire that we play with — especially tonight."

Dennis applauded South Central's effort, too.

"They're D-VII but their coaching staff does a great job," he said. "If you look at their nonconference, they're playing Willard and and Galion Northmor, the tradition of those two programs are really top-notch. We really couldn't look at their record going into this … but they're going to win some games."

Rittman shifts its focus to Waynedale next weekend in the Wayne County Athletic League opener while the Trojans look to start fresh with Firelands Conference play home against New London.

"We've played three really good teams, bigger schools than us, but the Firelands is number one for us," Fisher said. "We think we play in a tough conference and that allows us to get ready for for teams like this.

"We're looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and going against some some teams and players we're used to."

zholden@gannett.com

419-617-6018

Twitter/X: @Zachary_Holden

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Running rampant: Sonego's 405 yards, four touchdowns powers Rittman past South Central