By Justin Graves

Justin@athensnews-courier.com

ARDMORE – Coming into the opening game of the season, new Ardmore coach Tracy Malone said it was important to establish the run early. With the help of new tailback Derrick Green, the Tigers’ offense proved they could run the football effectively in their 42-21 win over Elkmont.

Green rushed for 218 yards and scored four touchdowns on 12 carries in the win. He has been selected the Athens News Courier’s Crunch Player of the Week sponsored by Athens-Limestone Hospital Sports Medicine.

“Our offensive line did a great job blocking so I could run the ball,” Green said. “I had holes to run though all night.”

Green scored first early in the first quarter when he broke several tackles for a 6-yard touchdown run. On the third play of Ardmore’s next offensive series he went 68-yards for his second touchdown of the night.

His first quarter showcase didn’t stop there. After Duron Robison intercepted an Elkmont pass on the ensuing drive, Green broke loose for a 62-yard touchdown on the first play of the series.

“I had a lot of running room all night long,” Green said. “Our offensive line made it easy for me.”

With 8:59 remaining in the second quarter, Green capped off a six-play drive with a 12-yard touchdown run up the middle.

“Derrick (Green) has the potential to be a great running back for us,” Malone said.

Malone was pleased with Ardmore’s running game in the season opener, was quick to point out that last week’s success is in the past and now it’s time to focus on this week’s game with East Lawrence County.

“Derreck did an outstanding job running the football for us,” Malone said. “Opening the season with a win was great for our players and our fans, but now we have to get back to work and start preparing for East Lawrence.

“Our intensity level was really high Friday night’s game with Elkmont. We need the same type of effort this week when we open region play.”