Van Vandals pillage Eagle Stadium 54-13
Eagles struggle to find anything in post superstar era
LELAND ACKER
Rusk continued to struggle to find offensive consistency and defensive fortitude as the Eagles were tarred and feathered at the hands of the Van Vandals 54-13 Friday at Eagle Stadium.

Dakota Risinger leaves the field after a tough series of plays Friday. Rusk lost to the Van Vandals 54-13, marking the second blowout the Eagles have suffered in as many weeks. PHOTO: TARA CROSBY

The Eagles, whose vulnerabilities to the passing game were exposed at Mabank, also had trouble containing the powerful Van rushing attack, led by Jermie Calhoun.

Calhoun, the ESPN rated number-one running back in the nation, scored first for the Vandals on a 48-yard run. Though he was penalized for somersaulting his way into the end zone, Van took the early 6-0 lead.

Calhoun rushed for 170 yards and four touchdowns.

Rusk could not get any offense going in the first quarter. A forced fumble by Quinn Anthony was quickly negated when Demarcus Skinner threw an interception that was returned 65 yards for another Van score.

Interceptions killed any hope Rusk had for momentum, as Skinner and Jared Colville combined for three interceptions, all of which were returned for touchdowns. Despite the disastrous outcomes of those passing plays, it was the passing game which gave the Eagles their 13 points.

Andrew Tucker (30), Trent Vaught (16) and Chance Cleaver (8) pursue Van running back Jermie Calhoun (34). Calhoun, the top-rated running back in the nation by ESPN, rushed for 170 yards and four touchdowns for the Vandals. PHOTO: SCOTT MCCUNE

Skinner found McDuff for a 45 yard touchdown pass with 4:48 left in the second quarter. He then found Chance Cleaver for a 64 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, a few players attempted to step up. Trent Vaught led the defense with eight tackles. Dakota Risinger and Horrace Lewis added six each.

Defensive lineman Matt Friedrich came away with an interception and Keith Lewis had a fumble recovery.

Rusk travels to Gladewater Friday to take on the Bears. Gladewater is coming off of a 35-27 win over Emory Rains. Their record is 1-1. After the Gladewater game, the Rusk Eagles will have a bye week to make adjustments before facing Palestine, Westwood and opening district play against Diboll on Oct. 12.

LELAND ACKER

All games will be broadcast on KTLU 1580 AM, Rusk Suddenlink Cable Channel 9 and on the internet at www. teamline.cc. Pregame shows start at 7:03 p.m.