Edinburgh showed a killer instinct Friday as Shane Smith ran wild in the rain, leading the Lancers to a 43-0 victory against visiting Traders Point.
The game was played in steady rain and a strong wind that hampered the passing and kicking games for both teams. But the weather didn’t bother Smith, who ran 21 times for 231 yards and four touchdowns.
Edinburgh coach Derrick Ball said the offensive line of C.J. Smith, Carigan St. Pierre, Ethan Armel, Jacob Riddle, Mike George and tight end Brice Burton was a key to the performance.
“We executed the things we wanted to do after working on them all week long,” Ball said. “I think we were more prepared this week and executed well.
“The line did well, and it is a luxury to have Shane back there toting the rock.”
The Golden Eagles dressed just 15 players for the contest and are in their third year as a varsity program. They have a combined record of 2-23.
On the opening drive, Traders Point surprised by attempting a fourth-and-5 conversion from its own 40-yard line. The pass fell incomplete, gifting Edinburgh with ideal field position on its first drive. The Lancers (2-4) responded with three consecutive carries by Smith, the last being a 24-yard touchdown run. Brice Burton scored the two-point conversion on an end around to make it 8-0 just more than three minutes into the opening quarter.
The Golden Eagles continued their practice of going for it on every fourth down despite the field position or yards to go, twice more turning the ball over near midfield in the opening quarter. But the Lancers could not capitalize.
When Traders Point did punt in the second quarter, Edinburgh’s Jacob Atha delivered a 35-yard return to give the Lancers the ball inside the 15. Smith provided a 13-yard touchdown run on the next play, and a sweep from Zach Smiley made it 16-0.
An interception by Eric Burton again gave the Lancers good field position, and quarterback Jentry Lange connected with Atha on a 24-yard touchdown pass, followed by a conversion run from Smith for a halftime score of 24-0.
Early in the third quarter, Edinburgh scored another touchdown on a 66-yard run by Zach Smiley. Smith followed with a 2-yard score for a 36-0 lead after three quarters.
Traders Point continued to eschew the punt and give Edinburgh the ball in excellent field position. Smith ran for a touchdown from 29 yards out, and Bryce Burton’s kick made the score 43-0.
Edinburgh’s defense held the Golden Eagles to less than 100 yards in total offense.
“We focused all week on their pulling guards, and we were able to get into their backfield a lot,” Ball said. “That was good to see.”
Edinburgh plays at Wes-Del on Friday.
