It took seven games, but he believes he found it Friday night: Passion.
That passion combined with execution equaled the Eagles’ most significant performance thus far, a 45-10 rout of Lexington at Merk Field.
“We beat a good football team,” said Walker, whose team shot to 6-1overall and 3-0 in District 25-2A, with Salado also unbeaten at 4-0. “We played with more heart than we have before.
“We think we still have something to prove. Not too many people have given us much of a chance.”
Rogers rolled up 309 yards of rushing, with both E.J. Larkin and Jordan Sebek clearing the 100-yard barrier and accounting for three touchdowns. Robert Campos took a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown and scored on another run.
“We have some good backs. We didn’t have this much at Liberty Hill,” said Walker, referring to his previous coaching stint where as offensive coordinator his Panthers won consecutive Class 3A state titles. “(Quarterback Chance) Marek doesn’t get enough credit for what he does. All four are very capable backs.”
Rogers spotted Lexington a 31-yard field goal by Mason Vecera in the first quarter before erupting for 24 straight points in the second.
Rogers got on the board by driving 56 yards in nine plays before Larkin burrowed in from the 1-yard line on a fourth-and-goal. Ben Baecker nailed the first of his six extra points to make it 7-3 with 8:48 to go in the half.
A bobbled snap by Lexington punter Taylor Roberson gave Rogers the ball at the Lexington 6. From there, Marek used a Campos block on the perimeter and outraced defenders around the right end to the pylon for another score.
Another short field following a punt gave Rogers ample opportunity to go up 21-3. The Eagles used just three plays before Sebek got loose on a misdirection handoff off left tackle for a 24-yard touchdown jaunt. Sebek had 107 yards on 12 carries.
Baecker added a 33-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half to give the Eagles a 24-3 advantage.
Lexington came out of the second-half gates on fire, holding Rogers to a three-and-out before quarterback Landon Evans found Clinton Hutson on a flare out of the backfield. Hutson romped 75 yards for a score to close the Rogers’ lead to 14 points.
It didn’t take long for Campos and Rogers to extinguish that bit of spark from Lexington. Campos, who tied for second in April's 25-2A 100-meter dash, took the ensuing kickoff near the left sideline and rode the rails of that sideline for 92 yards and a momentum-killing touchdown.
Rogers put the finishing touches on Lexington in the fourth, taking advantage of Ryan Fares’ second interception of the night. The Eagles, following an illegal procedure call, went 94 yards in just two plays. Sebek ran for 31 yards and a facemask penalty tacked on 15 more to the Lexington 48.
On the next play, Larkin emerged out of a pack and went the distance to put the Eagles ahead 38-10 with 6:30 to play. Larkin led all rushers with 139 yards on 11 carries. Campos showed off his afterburners again a few minutes later, sprinting 35 yards for the final touchdown.
“To hold Lexington to 10 points is saying something,” Walker said. “They have some very good athletes. They’re young, but they’re good. And they have a couple of Division I linemen."
Lexington (2-5, 1-3) is effectively out of the playoff picture. Those Eagles had success through the air for 182 yards but couldn’t sustain a running attack. Hutson caught five passes for 129 yards and led his team with 30 rushing yards.
“I’m very proud of our guys,” Walker said. “We haven’t done anything yet, but this is a big step. We can build on this effort."
twaits@temple-telegram.com
