Ellison runs wild in Gladiators' win

HAMMOND | Duke University recently sent Gavit junior Christian Ellison a letter expressing interest in his football abilities.

Local players and coaches may also need to take notice.

Ellison ran the ball with authority on Friday night, carrying it 11 times for a career-high 180 yards and one touchdown as the Gladiators defeated LaLumiere 45-14 at home.

"He's a special guy; he's a workhorse," Gavit coach Scott Oman said. "If we get the blocking, we can expect good things from Christian.

"From Week 1, I told these guys we'll go as far as the offensive line goes. Right now, we're struggling to find some people who will step forward here. I think we have some quality running backs, but we've got to get the blocking."

Ellison found some holes in the secondary against the Lakers and took advantage of it. That's where he doled out some punishment, knocking several defenders backwards.

"Coach is always telling me to lower my head and run right through them. They're not going to want to come back up and tackle you if you do that," said Ellison, who also added a blocked punt for a touchdown in the second quarter.

"From the beginning of the season, we said we were going to live and die by the offensive line. I got a lot of great blocks from my line and the receivers tonight."

Teammate Ramiro Cazares also had a strong game, rushing six times for 43 yards and two touchdowns. The Gladiators (2-4) finished with 325 yards on the ground.

"The crowd was good. We had the band out here and I tried to keep (my teammates) hyped on the sidelines," Ellison said. "(Winning two in a row) is great for the team. Usually we win two games all season. But this is something that we can carry into Homecoming next week (against Clark)."

Quarterback Irvontae Moore also scored and passed for a touchdown, while senior basketball player-turned football player Rayven Bullock capped the scoring for Gavit with a 16-yard run with five seconds left in the contest.

PREP FOOTBALL

Gavit 45, LaLumiere 14

Junior Ramior Cazares had two rushing touchdowns for the Glads, while Christian Ellison ran for 180 yards and a touchdown.