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BY SCOTT MARTIN 09/06/2008

enlarge Staff photo by Joe Phelan

FIRST TOUCHDOWN: Winthrop's Joe Morey runs for a 14 yard touchdown in the first quarter of the season opener on Friday night in Winthrop.

enlarge Staff photo by Joe Phelan

FORCING FUMBLE: Winthrop's Ryan Conant, bottom, knocks the ball lose from Traip's Michael Collins on a kick return after the Rambler's first touchdown during a game on Friday night in Winthrop. Winthrop recovered the fumble which set up their second touchdown. Winthrop's Eric Duplessis is in the background.

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Both lines were a strength Friday night as the Ramblers cruised to a 43-16 win against Traip Academy in the season opener for both teams at Winthrop High School.

"We only returned two guys on the offensive line and I think those guys were a little nervous," said Winthrop running back Skylar Whaley, who scored two first-quarter touchdowns. "But they played great."

The offensive line of Chris Minor, Mytch Wilbert, Josh Confer, Chad Morang and Corey Staples paved the way as Winthrop scored five rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and seven in the first half.

The defensive line of Confer, Minor, Morang and Kevin Hart sparked a Winthrop defense that held Traip to 1 yard of offense and no first downs in the first half. Traip did not break into Winthrop territory until scoring a touchdown in the second quarter on a 73-yard run against a defense consisting mostly of Winthrop's second unit.

"That was our goal. That is what we wanted to do tonight, was establish the run game and control tempo and be physical on defense," Winthrop coach Joel Stoneton said. "That is what we wanted to do. We are obviously very explosive."

Defensively, Confer and Hart both played significant snaps last year on the line. Still, that unit held Traip without a first down the entire half. Winthrop never had starting field position outside of Traip territory in the first half and scored on six of its seven first-half possessions.

Jake Steele, playing his first regular-season game in two years, scored on his third carry of the game. With Winthrop already leading 7-0 after a 14-yard touchdown run by Joe Morey, Steele scored from 15 yards out less than a minute later.

Steele, who missed last season after having shoulder surgery, finished with 41 yards on just three carries, all in the first half.

"I felt pretty good. I'd had a few exhibition games, so it wasn't so bad," Steele said. "But the first couple of preseason practices my timing was way off."

Steele joins Morey, Whaley and Riley Cobb to form strong group of running backs that should give the conference fits. Despite limited carries, the four combined for 84 yards and five touchdowns. Cory Harris and Spencer Smith added second quarter scores as Winthrop went up 46-7 at halftime.

The Ramblers outgained Traip 271-64 in the first half.

Scott Martin -- 621-5618

smartin@centralmaine.com

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