By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — It’s been decades since Rock Hill has visited Symmes Valley.

On Friday, the Vikings were more than gracious hosts by turning the ball over 6 times. And being grateful guests, the Redmen seized on the opportunities to post a 35-6 non-league win.

The Redmen (2-0) outgunned the Vikings by 2 total yards due to playing a short field. Rock Hill started 3 times in Vikings’ territory and scored each time.

A big part of the short fields were interceptions by the Rock Hill defense.

Rock Hill returned the opening kickoff to the Vikings’ 36.

A clutch fourth down play saw quarterback Dallin Cox hit Anthony Stamper in stride for a 25-yard gain to the 6.

After a yard loss, Cox ran a bootleg 7 yards for the score and Rylan Barker’s conversion kick put the lead at 7-0 with 8:17 on the clock.

Brody Simpkins came up with an interception at midfield but the Redmen were unable to move the ball and turned it over on downs at the 35-yard line.

Three plays later, Mason Hanners intercepted a pass and turned it into a Pick 6 as he ran the ball back 38 yards for the score.

Barker’s kick made it 14-0 with 2:57 left in the quarter.

More disaster hit the Vikings on their first play as they fumbled the ball way at their own 40.

The Redmen struck while the iron was hot as Cox hit Braylon McClelland on the ensuing play for a 40-yard touchdown strike.

Barker’s kick pushed the lead to 21-0 with 2:23 left on the clock.

The Vikings punted the ball away on their next possession and the Redmen took over at their own 36.

This time they marched 64 yards in 9 plays with Anthony Stamper ripping off a 20-yard scamper for the score and it was 28-0 with 7:14 left in the half.

Symmes Valley (0-2) answered with a 74-yard, 10 play drive to get their lone score of the game.

A 21-yard pass to Logan Simpkins and a 37 yard run by Will Jones got the ball to the 8-yard line. Jones scored from a yard out and it was 28-6 with 2:31 left in the half.

But the Redmen weren’t done as they returned the kickoff to the Vikings’ 36.

On third down and 5 at the 19, Cox threw the ball into double coverage but the ball was underthrown. McClelland saw the ball coming up short and adjusted. The Vikings’ defensive backs were unable to recover.

Barker’s conversion kick with 5 seconds left in the half put the score at 35-6.

Neither team had a serious threat in the second half.

Rock Hill had 123 yards rushing with Stamper running 14 tees for 60 yards and a score while Brody Simpson had 52 yards on 6 carries.

Cox was 9-of-15 throwing for 147 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. McClelland had 5 receptions for 82 yards and both TDs.

Jones ran 15 times for 98 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings gained 99 net rushing yards. Quarterback Dylan Urban was 15-of-33 for 169 yards with the 4 interceptions.

Logan Simpkins caught 4 passes for 71 yards and Jones had 5 grabs for 62 yards.

This Friday, Rock Hill hosts Oak Hill and Symmes Valley visits River Valley.

Rock Hill 21 14 0 0 = 35

Sym. Valley 0 6 0 0 = 6

First Quarter

RH — Dallin Cox 7 run (Rylan Barker kick) 8:17

RH — Mason Hanners 38 interception return (Rylan Barker kick) 2:59

RH — Braylon McClelland 40 pass from Dallin Cox (Rylan Barker kick) 2:23

Second Quarter

RH — Anthony Stamper 14 run (Ryan Barker kick) 7:14

SV — Will Jones 1 run (kick failed) 2:31

RH — Braylon McClelland 19 pass from Dallin Cox (Rylan Barker kick) 0:05

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RH SV

First downs 15 12

Rushes-yards 35-123 24-99

Passing yards 147 169

Total yards 270 268

Cmp-Att-Int9-15-115-33-4

Fumbles-lost 5-0 4-2

Penalties-yards 6-55 9-70

Punts-average 2-33.5 1-34.0

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Individual Leaders

RUSHING–Rock Hill: Anthony Stamper 14-60 TD, Braylon McClellans 2-0, Dallin Cox 4-28 TD, Brody Simpkins 6-52, Mason Hanners 1-35, Preston Malone 2-17, Eli Hamlin 1-4, Team 5-minus 38; Symmes Valley: Will Jones 15-98 TD, Asher Maynard 4-22, Randy Adkins 2-4, Jackson Fields 1-3, Dylan Urban 1-minus 11, Team 1-minus 17.

PASSING–Rock Hill: Dallin Cox 9-14-147 2TD, Yaden Bailey 0-1-1; Symmes Valley: Dylan Urban 15-33-4 192.

RECEIVING–Rock Hill: Braylon McClelland 5-82 2TD, Anthony Stamper 1-25, Sam Rusk 2-11, Logan Simpkins 1-29; Symmes Valley: Andy Strow 3-31, Jackson Fields 2-minus 3, Logan Simpkins 4-71, Will Jones 5-62, Gradee Holland 1-19, Levi Russell 2-3.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.