Northeastern’s Stoops always a threat to score

Jets running back area’s top rusher and scorer so far this season.

Northeastern's Brentyn Stoops carries the ball in for a touchdown
as he's chased by Triad's Tre McIntyre during an Ohio Heritage Conference game last season. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

Bill Lackey Northeastern's Brentyn Stoops carries the ball in for a touchdown as he's chased by Triad's Tre McIntyre during an Ohio Heritage Conference game last season. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 10:46 PM Thursday, October 13, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Northeastern High School senior running back Brentyn Stoops thinks he can score from anywhere on the field.

“You’ve just got to want it,” Stoops said. “Every time you touch the ball you’ve got to feel like you can score.

“That’s the way I gotta think.”

So far, Stoops isn’t having any trouble finding room to run. Through seven weeks, the senior leads the area in rushing (801 yards) and scoring (72 points) for the Jets (2-5, 1-3 Ohio Heritage Conference).

“It’s always the line,” Stoops said. “I can’t do anything without them. I give all my credit to them. After every touchdown, I always go to give them a high-five. It’s always about them.”

Last year, Stoops had a breakout season for the Jets, leading the area in scoring (126 points) and finishing second in rushing yards (1,336 yards). Rolf knew Stoops had talent, but hadn’t proven it at the varsity level.

“After the first couple games, it was pretty evident that he was going to be something special,” Rolf said.

Rolf said Stoops’ best skill is carrying out his rushing assignments with authority.

“He probably hits the hole from his stance to the hole as fast as anyone I’ve seen,” Rolf said. “He just explodes.”

Stoops uses that skill to find open holes in the defense in the Jets’ option-based attack.

“I can see the field,” Stoops said. “I’m not the biggest guy out there. I can always find an open hole.”

He’s played in the same system with senior QB Tyler Ford for the last four years. In the Jets’ offense, Stoops typically runs behind three senior linemen — right guard Josh Rowe, right tackle Levi Wilson and tight end Mitchell Binkley.

Once he gets into the open field, Stoops can be tough to stop. He’s broken five touchdown runs of 34 yards or more, including an 81-yarder and a 65-yarder.

“He’s got enough speed where he can break runs and make cuts in the open field,” Rolf said.

The Jets are hoping to finish off the season on a strong note, starting tonight against rival Southeastern at Conover Field.

“I feel like we’re the best 2-5 team around,” Stoops said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365, Michael.Cooper@coxinc.com or on Twitter@SNS_Wizard.

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