By Will Heath, for The Tribune
ODENVILLE — Friday night was a familiar formula for fans of the Leeds Green Wave. The third-ranked Green Wave rolled up 272 yards on the ground, including 5 touchdowns from senior Rametrius Yelverton for a 45-12 victory over St. Clair County.
It’s a point of pride for the Leeds offensive line, according to center Jackson Bartee.
“(The run game) is what our offense is based off of,” Bartee said. “It’s mostly just focusing on your assignments, and make sure everybody’s on the same page.”
That started early, as Leeds (8-0, 5-0) scored on all but one of its possessions in the first half. Devonte Megginson took an inside handoff 44 yards on the second snap of the game to give the Green Wave an early advantage.
“They don’t get a lot of credit (on the offensive line,” Leeds head coach Jerry Hood said. “They understand how well they’ve played, and how much further we have to go.”
St. Clair County’s (0-7, 0-5) offense was able to make some hay in the first half. Sophomore Ryan Parker broke a 60-yard touchdown run to put the Saints on the board in the first quarter. Parker would finish with 125 yards for the game.
“ I told them we’re not looking at scoreboards,” St. Clair head coach PJ Wright said. “Just play and have fun.”
But it was Yelverton who took over after that, with touchdown runs of 5, 23, 6 and 5 yards to put the Green Wave up 35-6 at halftime. By the time he scored his fifth TD from a yard out in the third quarter, Leeds led 42-6, and inserted backups for the remainder of the game.
“We handled business, got all the kids on the team in the game, and that’s a big deal,” Hood said.
Megginson added 70 yards on the ground, while Joshua Ruff added 44 yards rushing and receiving. Leeds also got a 34-yard field goal from junior Jackson Arthur.
St. Clair’s Garrett Whitehead added the game’s final score, with a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
“I thought they played hard, and that’s what I wanted,” Wright said.
Hood also complimented the hometown fans who made the trip to Mickey Venable Field for the region game.
“I’m proud of Leeds,” he said. “We love seeing those people in the stands.”
Both teams continue in region play next week. Leeds will return home for Senior Night against Corner.
“We need everybody out there,” Hood said.
St. Clair County will travel to face Center Point.