Ross breaks record

Taylor Ross ran through about as many tacklers as he avoided Friday night.

It was a record performance for the Sage Hill School senior running back.

Ross, who rushed for 250 yards, set the school’s single-game rushing record with his performance in the 20-13 victory over Fairmont Prep.

The previous record was 204 yards, which former Lightning running back Keya Manshadi rushed for in a game against Saddleback Valley Christian in 2005.

Ross had touchdown runs of 80, 34 and seven yards among his 25 carries. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder ran primarily out of the Wildcat formation in the second half of the game.

“The kid, he has a lot on his mind, as you can tell by the way he runs the ball,” Sage Hill Coach J.R. Tolver said. “He’s running with a purpose. His ability to play good solid football gives him a chance to be a leader, as well.”

Ross was a first-team All-Academy League and Newport-Mesa Dream Team selection last year, when he was also the league’s Kicker of the Year. He rushed for 610 yards last year, and he’s almost halfway to that total after one game in 2010. He also plays linebacker.

Tolver said Ross gained a lot of strength and speed in the football offseason. He’s also an All-CIF soccer player for the Lightning.