Collins Rushes for 209 as Loara Beats Western

Anyone concerned about the condition of Coy Collins’ ankle need only to have been at Western High School Thursday night.

Collins ran over, around, through and sometimes under Western’s defense to lead Loara to a 29-19 victory in front of 900.

Collins, a junior, rushed for 209 yards, 177 in the second half. He also scored two touchdowns, including a 12-yard score in which he ducked under three Pioneer defenders.

Oh, the night wasn’t completely without concern. Collins did leave the game with three minutes left in the first half with what Coach Herb Hill called “a slight ankle twist.” The same ankle forced Collins to miss the last five games of the 1988 season.

“When The Franchise went out we were a little worried,” Hill said. “Needless to say, we took a good look at that ankle at halftime.”

Collins returned at full speed and proceeded to wear down the Western defense. He averaged 11.8 yards per carry in the second half and had four runs of 23 or more yards.

His most impressive run also clinched the victory for the Saxons (1-0).

Loara had the ball on the Western 12 and was leading, 23-19, with seven minutes left. Collins cut outside on a draw play but appeared to be hemmed in by three Western defenders at the five.

But Collins cut to his right, ducked his head and slipped under them. They collided, and Collins dove into the end zone for the score.

“I saw the first guy, but I didn’t see the other two,” Collins said. “I felt them, though.”

Loara led, 9-7, at halftime. Collins gave the Saxons a 6-0 lead on their first possession on a eight-yard scoring run. He rushed for 23 yards and also caught a pass for 15 more on the 44-yard drive.

Chris Hoffman kicked a 45-yard field goal for the Saxons’ other first-half score.

Loara’s defense also had a hand in the victory. The secondary intercepted three passes--one of which was returned 24 yards for touchdown by Bryan Blanks--and limited Western to only 161 total yards.