Barker's three TD runs, pressure defense key in Crestview's runaway win over South Central

OLIVESBURG − Crestview's first offensive drive said it all.

In six consecutive plays in the first quarter, Crestview lined up in their split back formation and handed the ball off for a run. Each time, they gained considerable yardage and eventually punched in a touchdown on the ground to go up 7-0. It stayed that way all night for the Cougars (2-4, 2-1), as they buried South Central (1-5, 0-2) for a 47-6 win. In all, the Cougars had seven rushing touchdowns, with three of them coming from Gavin Barker.

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"We had a real tough nonconference schedule early on and we've worked it out. We know we can run the ball well, and pass it," said Barker. "Starting to get in a groove."

"We have to do better. We have to set the edge," said South Central head coach Derek Fisher, on the Trojans struggles containing the Cougars. "Hats off to them. They controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides tonight. We didn't have too many answers for it."

For the second straight week, Crestview established their run game to the fullest. Last week, they pounded New London for eight rushing touchdowns in a 67-0 win. Seven was the number on Friday. That means the Cougars have outscored their last two opponents 114-6.

To go along with their effective ground game, the activity the Cougars' defensive line displayed caused fits for the Trojans. Crestview's pressure on South Central quarterback Aaron Hauler was constant throughout.

"Our defensive lineman has really been getting after it the last couple of weeks," said Barker, who intercepted the second of Crestview's two interceptions in the first quarter. "We had a lot of sacks last week too."

"If we are getting pressure, we don't have to bring extra pressure, so we're sitting good in the secondary," said Crestview head coach Steve Haverdill. "We did that tonight and with New London. The front four is taking care of business. If we can stop the run and bring pressure, that works real well for our back end."

jsimpson@gannnett.com

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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Barker's three TD runs, pressure defense key in Crestview's runaway win over South Central