By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The dominance of Rootsown’s rushing attack was on display for the fourth consecutive week.

The result was a commanding 48-6 victory over Pymatuning Valley and a milestone.

Rovers senior running back finished the game with 262 yards and combined with his 741 yards through the first three weeks, it pushed the standout over 1,000 yards for the season.

Coontz now has 1,002 yards through just four games.

Coontz also score five more touchdowns — the Rovers’ first five of the game, and now has a season total of 14.

The win also pushed Rootstown to 4-0 on the season.

“Overall, we had a great night on both sides of the ball,” Rootstown head coach Chris Knopick said. “I can’t say enough about Cody Coontz and our offensive line of Tony Kart, Linden White, Brian Youngblood, Kyle Kuharich and Dominic Siglow, along with our tight end Ryan Piscitani and H-back Drew Nero. To accomplish the dominance on the ground we have enjoyed so far this year is really special.

“The core of those guys are some of our most dedicated off-season workers and it shows. I am extremely proud of our effort and attitude.”

Rootstown led 13-0 after the first quarter and 27-0 at halftime.

Coontz scored on first-quarter runs of 5 and 63 yards, respectively. He added two more second-quarter touchdowns on runs of 7 and 30 yards. He then scored a 2-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Rootstown’s scoring was completed by a 1-yard run by Dawson Morgan in the third quarter and a 46-yard run by Dominic Duvall in the fourth quarter.

For the game, Rootstown (4-0) led in first downs 23-4 and also had a total of 329 yards rushing on 34 attempts.

However, the Rovers also found some success through the air, with quarterback Luke DeAngelis completing 8-of-10 passes for 123 yards.

“We were able to find our passing game a bit tonight, which helped lighten the box at times,” Knopick said.

A theme that will continue to be important for the Rovers as future opponents will try to handcuff the team’s dominant rushing attack.

The Rovers travel to face a 3-1 Conneaut team next Friday in Week 5.