CARLISLE — In a game the Carlisle High School football team couldn’t afford to lose, the Indians leaned on their star running back.
Junior Alex Collins was more than happy to answer the call.
Collins ran for over 200 yards, scored four times and the hosts celebrated with a 38-13 win over Waynesville.
Afterward, Collins said he is just doing his job as his team tries to scrape its way back into the playoffs.
“We prepared for this week,” Collins said. “Our team came ready to work. The line did great, heckuva blocking and the other running back, Trent Snodgrass, did amazing and the quarterback, his name is Luke Thomas, a freshman and he did great. We just came together.”
Carlisle coach Josh Koogle said it is easy to lean on the big fella, but his team all the way around came up big.
“He does everything we ask and this week we asked him to take on a bigger role,” Koogle said of Collins. “We moved him around. He has been in the backfield but we moved him out. He can run jets. He is hard to guard on the outside. He is also our little wildcat quarterback too. Every time we put the ball in his hands he makes it happen. He can do a little bit of everything.”
While Collins stole the show with his running, including taking back a punt 45 yards for a score, the Carlisle defense was phenomenal all night, shutting down a Waynesville team that entered averaging over 30 points a game.
“We had a come to Jesus moment this week,” Koogle said. “I know we talk about all the stuff (Collins) does but our defense was lights out tonight. We struggled defensively last week. To see them bounce back was exciting.”
Waynesville dropped to 5-2 overall, 1-2 in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division, while Carlisle improved to 4-3, 1-2 in league play.
A playoff team a year ago, Koogle said his team rallied this week knowing it could end soon, especially coming off a tough 38-35 loss to Brookville a week ago.
“Last week hurt us. I wish I could tell you we were all ready to go on Monday but we weren’t,” Koogle said. “We were licking our wounds. You know the high school football season goes by so fast. We know we don’t have a lot of time left together. Whatever that looks like is up to you.”
Carlisle struck first when Caden Sayler intercepted a pass and went back 42 yards for a score.
A defensive and offensive lineman, Sayler had a big night, also adding a sack.
Koogle said his squad got a major boost from the pick-six.
“We needed it,” Koogle said. “It couldn’t have happened to a better kid. He is a captain. He is a warrior for us.”
Collins scored on a 36-yard run and a 45-yard punt return late in the half to put Carlisle up 18-7 at the break.
Collins said his move to punt return was new.
“I have never been back at punt until this week,” Collins said. “We have a call, Peter, where we just let the ball go. I heard it but I saw the ball bounce so I was like ‘shoot I got to take it.’ Saw it, took it back.”
Collins leads the SWBL in rushing yards and attempts.
Carlisle continues the march to the playoffs next Friday, traveling to Oakwood while Waynesville hosts Madison.
