Speedy Warriors run away from Cleveland Hill, 51-20

Sam Wilson, Salamanca Press

The Salamanca football team hoped to build a speedy offense with a variety of dangerous weapons: it appeared to pay off Friday night.

Just take Salamanca’s first two touchdowns in Friday’s Section 6 Class C quarterfinal, both 80-yard bursts of speed from two of the Warriors’ playmakers. Quarterback Maddox Isaac ripped an 83-yard touchdown run after faking a handoff in the first quarter against Cleveland Hill at Veterans Memorial Park for a 7-0 lead. After Cleveland Hill drew within a point, 7-6, the Warriors immediately responded with an 81-yard kick return touchdown by Jason McGraw.

Salamanca scored six straight times, with five touchdowns and a safety, in the second and third quarters to run away with a 51-20 victory over the Golden Eagles, advancing to the sectional semifinals.

Seeded third as the Class C South champion, Salamanca (7-2) did it all without workhorse running back/linebacker Jesse Stahlman, sidelined after an injury in the regular season finale.

Isaac led the Warriors’ 291-yard rushing effort with a team-high 114 yards on six carries and went 2-for-5 passing for 67 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown to J.T. Auman. Auman handled lead tailback duties with 16 carries for 87 yards and a rushing score.

Backup quarterback Jaxson Ross had two touchdown runs and fullba