McLean County relied heavily on their run game and Aden Bolden to tire out Ohio County, cruising to a 44-16 road victory to open the season on Friday.
The Cougars got on the board first with 6:59 remaining in the first quarter when senior Kamden Walters broke free for an 11-yard touchdown run, and the ensuing 2-point conversion was successful. The defense stood tall, and less than 3 minutes later, running back/fullback Aden Bolden gashed Ohio County for a 73-yard touchdown to put his team up 16-0.
Bolden, a junior, finished with 273 yards on only 15 rushes.
“Bolden ran the ball hard. He brings quickness and athleticism,” McLean head coach Zach Wagner said. “He gets out to the edge and had some tough runs up the gut at the fullback position.”
With 1:16 remaining in the second quarter, McLean fumbled and Ohio County’s defense returned it for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed to keep the score at 16-6, where it remained through halftime.
The Eagles never reached the endzone again, while the Cougars continued to use their ground game to score several more times.
With 3:38 remaining in the third quarter, Bolden rushed for his second touchdown of the game, this time for 5 yards. He followed it up by running for a successful 2-point conversion to put his team up 24-6.
Less than 6 minutes later, Bolden scored his third touchdown, this time toting it for 70 yards. McLean went for 2, but it was successful, leaving the lead at 30-6. Three minutes later, Trakoby Gill scored the Cougar’s fifth rushing touchdown of the game, this one from 7 yards out. After another unsuccessful 2-point conversion, McLean County led 36-6 with 6:09 remaining in the game.
McLean’s defense continued to hold Ohio County in check and on the final Cougar drive, JoJo Hardinson ran for a 2-yard touchdown for the exclamation point.
Wagner was happy with his team’s performance but pointed out they still had a few wrinkles to iron out.
“Our kids went hard and played hard,” Wagner said. “No one asked for a breather. Some of the younger guys got much-needed reps and we came out healthy.”
