Explosive Sto-Rox football team blows out Bishop Canevin

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, October 14, 2018 | 12:27 AM

Sto-Rox had several big plays wiped out by penalties early in Saturday evening’s game, including an opening kickoff returned to the house. But the Vikings were not deterred as they came ready, focused and packing a big-play punch.

Ahmad Pack scored four touchdowns including a punt return for score in the final minute of the first half as Sto-Rox cruised to a 54-0 whitewash of Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium.

Pack was denied scores twice in the first few minutes of the game with a kickoff return and a screen pass taken to the house that were called back.

But Pack and junior quarterback Eric Wilson hooked up for three long touchdown passes in the first half as the Vikings built a 32-0 lead by intermission.

“He is a dynamic athlete,” Sto-Rox first-year coach La’Roi Johnson said. “He is truly an athlete that can play multiple positions. We try to move him around and get him the best matchup we can.”

Pack had four receptions for 115 yards, two carries for 14 yards and a 51-yard punt return for a score.

Having a standout quarterback at Sto-Rox is nothing new, and junior signal caller Eric Wilson is the latest standout.

Wilson hit on 10 of 16 passes for 247 yards and four touchdowns, including an 18-yard pass to Malik Smith that put the game in the mercy rule early in the third quarter.

“He really see’s the field well. He’s smart, and his knowledge of the game is strong. He picked up my offense quick, learning it in less than a year when a lot of quarterbacks take two years to be comfortable,” Johnson said.

While the Vikings are a pass-first offense, senior running back Vinnie Eggleton plays a key role. Eggleton rushed for 157 yards against the Crusaders, including touchdown jaunts of 46 and 82 yards.

“Vinnie’s a monster,” said Johnson. “He’s a big physical running back with unique speed. It’s different when you have a guy who’s 205 (pounds) and is one of the fastest players on the field.”

Jonathan Ruffing led Bishop Canevin on the ground with 76 yards.

The Crusaders were able to move the ball on the ground but had several drives end in Sto-Rox territory.

A long season continued for Bishop Canevin. Since beating Springdale, 34-14, last month to reach 2-2, the team has lost four straight and been outscored 164-6.

The win keeps Sto-Rox’s playoff hopes alive as it improves to 4-2 in the Big 7 Conference heading into a Week 8 showdown at home against Laurel (3-2). The winner finishes third and will be in the hunt for a WPIAL Class A wild-card berth.

“We know it’s going to be a big game,” Johnson said. “We’re excited about it. I keep telling my guys you don’t run away from opportunities. You run toward it. We’re going to welcome the opportunity.”

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TheDonRebel.

Tags: Bishop Canevin, Sto-Rox