Logan-Rogersville's Joe Roche called one of the best running backs in Missouri
· Yahoo Sports
SPRINGFIELD — Joe Roche broke tackle after tackle on Friday, Sept. 25. The senior running back was unstoppable in Logan-Rogersville’s 42-13 win over Bolivar.
“I’m glad he’s on our team. I love Joe,” Rogersville head coach Joel Wells said. “I think he’s one of the best backs in the state. I really do. He’s a college football player.”
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Roche scored four touchdowns in the win, all of them coming in the first half. The secret to the running back’s ability to break tackles was revealed after the game with a smile.
“I think it’s because I sweat so much, they just slip off me,” Roche laughed. “I really don’t know, I’m just running and if a dude comes, I’m going to try and swing and get him off me any way that I can.”
The senior put together 218 yards on 30 carries. Roche’s performance helped Rogersville (5-0) snag another big win.
This is the Wildcats’ best start to a season since 2011, when they started 6-0 and later won the Class 3 state title over John Burroughs.
“I’m extremely proud of what our team has been able to do,” Wells said. “We are not done yet.”
Bolivar actually opened the scoring via a Chapel Banner passing touchdown to Paden Yates on the opening drive of the game. Then Roche went to work scoring two touchdowns from short yardage and a 10-yard burst.
Before halftime, Roche exploded for a 47-yard touchdown down the far sideline.
“I saw the hole and I saw Sky was back there blocking his guy well for me and I went off him,” Roche said. “That dude pursued me so hard, I’m surprised that I even got that. I tried everything to out run him.”
In the second half, quarterback Kasimir Manczuk scored two rushing touchdowns to add to the Wildcats’ lead.
The third quarter featured five turnovers between the two teams. Rogersville’s Lucas White staged two interceptions to highlight the defense in the win.
“Huge moment,” Wells said. “We knew he was going to have a big year this year. We are extremely proud of him coming up with some big plays here.”
On paper, Rogersville has looked flawless. They’ve won each game by at least 16 points. The offense has scored more than 35 points in each game, while the defense has surrendered no more than 19 points.
Wells believes the best is still ahead for his team. The Wildcats continue to climb the Class 4 ranking, currently sitting at No. 3. Only No. 1 Kearney (5-0) and No. 2 Savannah (5-0) are ahead of the Wildcats.
“We haven’t played our best football yet,” Wells said. “We have a lot to improve on, but I love our team and I’m just fortunate to be their head coach.”
Rogersville will face Hillcrest (1-2) on the road next week.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Logan-Rogersville's Joe Roche called one of the best running backs in Missouri