Sewell breaks out as Foothill stomps Cimarron-Memorial, 28-6

Amanda Finnegan

Cimmaron-Memorial’s defense takes down running back Algernon Sewell in the second quarter. Sewell rushed for a total of 147 yards and two touchdowns on Friday night.

By Ryan Greene (contact)

Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 | midnight

The win felt nice for Foothill High, sure. But the 147 yards and continuous chain movement provided by senior running back Algernon Sewell could prove beneficial well beyond this weekend.

Sewell used his big, bruising body to rack up a bevy of yards after contact in the Falcons' 28-6 surprise stomping of Cimarron-Memorial Friday night at Foothill High.

In Sewell's mind, it was about time.

"I had 10 carries for 8 yards last year, and I was a bust. I was supposed to come up to varsity and do something, but this year is a whole other year," he said. "I've got a great offensive line in front of me.

"It feels great, but all I can do is look forward to next week."

Sewell couldn't help but let a slight grin seep out upon hearing his yardage total for the first time, which came on 26 carries and included a pair of tough, short touchdown runs.

The whole Foothill sideline shared his joy. Friday night's result was at the opposite end of the football spectrum when compared to last week's 49-14 defeat at the hands of Fountain Valley (Calif.).

"It was real good," Foothill coach Martin Redmond said. "We saw a lot of speed last week, and we knew (Cimarron's Stephen Nixon) was the fastest kid in Nevada. We knew we had to contain him, and if we did that, we'd have a chance to win."

In the tale of two running backs, Nixon certainly carried the more recognizable name coming in. Nixon, the two-time defending state champion in the 100 meters, was slow to get started off the blocks.

His first four carries went for a total of 2 yards, and Cimarron went three-and-out twice to start the game. Foothill found its groove first, as their second possession was powered almost completely by Sewell. The Falcons picked up five fresh sets of downs before the senior bowled to paydirt from 1 yard out to start the second quarter.

The lead grew a bit more comfortable four minutes later, when Aaron Dupin found Terrance Walls in the end zone to put Foothill up two scores. That one hurt twice as much for Cimarron, who had caught a break moments earlier when Connor Afoa had a 69-yard punt return for a score withdrawn from the record -- thanks to a block in the back.

All the while, Cimarron could get nothing going other than a 51-yard touchdown run by Nixon. Outside of that solo shot, the Spartans had a tough time moving the ball, and never took a single snap from inside the Falcons' red zone.

"Our defense, we emphasized on playing a lot faster and more physical this week," Redmond said. "The kids just did a good job of playing fast and knowing their assignments. They didn't look as nervous this week."

More of that speed-seeking defense will be needed next week as Foothill heads on the road for the first time this year, facing Mojave, which traditionally boasts a fleet-footed squad.

Cimarron, now 0-2, will take on Desert Pines at home.

And now that Sewell's finally broken out, he's got some other business to take care of -- rewarding that offensive line.

Goes with the territory, kid.

"I'll get 'em some donuts," he said with a smile.