Rochester dominates, shuts out Wabash in football season opener

The Zebras 42-0 lead over Wabash at halftime, the game’s final score, prompted the running clock at the start of the third quarter.

With a running clock in place to begin the second half Rochester made it look easy in Friday’s high school football season opener.

The Zebras opened the scoring with a safety and poured on 27 more points by the end of the first quarter. The Zebras 42-0 lead at halftime, the game’s final score, prompted the running clock at the start of the third quarter.

Brant Beck topped the scoring chart for Rochester with a pair of rushing touchdowns and 68 yards on just four carries. Junior Garrett rushed for 60 yards. Seniors Kyeliem Murphy and Maddox Jewell each scored a touchdown for Rochester (1-0).

Quarterback Carson Paulik was 2-for-4 passing for 60 yards and a 35-yard touchdown hookup with Drew Bowers.

The Rochester offense accumulated 329 yards from scrimmage, most in the first half.

Sophomore Ethan Bailey recorded 14 tackles for the Rochester defense. Beck had seven tackles while Zaccary Parks and Mason Hisey added six tackles and one sack each. Parks and Clarence Garrett each contributed an interception in the win.

Matthew Crossland and Grant Clark collected fumble recoveries.

The Rochester defense had six tackles for loss.

Up next for Rochester, a road trip to play rival Tippecanoe Valley. The Vikings won on opening night with a 44-0 shutout of Wawasee.