Ovie Esalomi and Willie Rose pace a potent Cowboy ground game that amasses 380 yards in a 27-0 win.
By DON JENSEN
Published October 23, 2004
TAMPA - It was career night at Cowboy Stadium.
Gaither running backs Ovie Esalomi and Willie Rose each rushed for a career high, teaming up for 382 yards and three touchdowns, in the Cowboys' 27-0 victory over Wharton on Friday in a Class 5A, District 8 contest.
Esalomi gained 200 yards on 20 carries and Rose added 182 yards on 17 attempts, all in the first half, as Gaither (4-3, 2-2) dominated. It was the third straight loss for Wharton (2-5, 1-3).
The Cowboys amassed 448 yards of offense, 380 on the ground, and advanced the football into Wharton territory on nine of 10 possessions.
"It still surprises me that we rushed for that much," Gaither offensive line coach Cesar Paz said. "Our running game has been solid all year; we've just had a lot of penalties. Our line is a good group of guys who work hard all the time."
Center Andrew Reder, guards Shayne Schmidt and Brandon Dawson and tackles Mike Teuton and Kevin Cooper teamed with tight end Paul Bays and blocking back Rolland Barthlett to open huge holes in the Wharton defense.
Rose scored on consecutive runs of 3 and 79 yards in the second quarter to put Gaither in front. His first touchdown capped a 93-yard, 13-play drive.
Rose sat out the second half with a neck injury not believed to be serious.
Esalomi took over from there. He opened the second half by scooting 83 yards for a touchdown on Gaither's first play. It was the first of 10 consecutive runs by Esalomi.
Quarterback John Chesnut's 13-yard scoring pass to Chris Bonner completed the scoring later in the period.
