ORANGE — The starting running backs stood on the sideline for the Mahar Regional football team on Friday night.
The clock was running, even for stoppages, which is always a good sign.
The Senators beat Monument Mountain, 41-7, at the Woodward Complex in an Intercounty League North matchup.
The starters watched the younger running backs get some touches late in the game against the Spartans.
“I am glad we could get our young kids in,” Mahar coach Jim Woodward said. “It’s always fun to score points like that.”
Jake Tenney continued his strong season for the Senators, rushing for 127 yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns. Even with the yardage, there is room for improvement for the first-year starter.
“He is a better runner than he is showing,” Woodward said.
Mahar jumped on Monument quickly, scoring on its first drive and then blocking a punt to score again.
Quarterback Noaha Chabot did some damage for the Senators (3-2, 2-1 ILN) through the air and on the ground.
A 44-yard rush by Chabot answered the lone score of the night for Monument just before halftime.
The halftime score was 27-7.
The Senators rushed for over 300 yards as a team. Fullback Jacob Murphy was a force, carrying seven times for 54 yards. Aydan Sevigny got loose on the outside a couple times for the Senators and had 32 yards on four carries.
Mahar started fast with a seven-play, 88-yard rive capped by a five-yard touchdown run by Tenney.
Luke Melanson then blocked a punt and recovered it at Monument’s 1-yard line.
On the ensuing play, Chabot tossed a 1-yard touchdown to Melanson in the corner of the end zone to make the score 14-0.
After a Tenney interception, the Senators took over at their own 42-yard line.
Mahar drove 58-yards on eight plays, with Tenney picking up his second touchdown from five-yards out to give the Senators a 21-0 lead.
Hunter DeGrenier got the Spartans (2-3, 1-3 ILN) on the scoreboard just before halftime. The quarterback took off on a third and six from Mahar’s 46 yard-line.
DeGrenier looked to be wrapped up but broke out of it and turned on the speed for a 46-yard touchdown.
The Senators’ offense went with an aggressive approach with 90 seconds left in the half, not wanting the Spartans to maintain momentum.
Chabot rolled right for the Senators, looking for a receiver from the 44-yard line.
Not finding anyone open, Chabot took off and scored on a 44-yard keeper down the left sideline.
Chabot carried twice for 62 yards and went 5-for-8 passing for 92 yards.
Charlie Barnes caught two passes for 47 yards.
Mahar scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter.
Austin Matthews scored from six yards out, and Tenney scored from two yards out.
Both were rushing touchdowns.
Jayden Carey rushed nine times for 33 yards while Eli Spencer carried six times for 21 yards.
