BY DAVE CHOATE

Most opponents know Salem High School is going to run the football early and often. Stopping that powerhouse running game is a different matter.

The Blue Devils crushed the Memorial High School Crusaders, 42-7, in a game where the clock and scoreboard were dominated by Salem’s running backs.

Salem ran up a 28-0 lead at halftime on three rushing touchdowns and a short pass from quarterback Hal Landers before pulling most of its starters in the third quarter.

The Blue Devils piled up more than 200 yards on the ground. Shane McMahon led the way with 14 carries for 133 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including one highlight-reel sprint from 64 yards out.

The team also made extensive use of a defensive package featuring three down linemen and five linebackers to keep Memorial’s running game in check. The defense had allowed 90 yards and was helped by mistake-prone Memorial on an intentional grounding call that led to a safety.

“We can’t do well unless we run the ball and play defense,” said Salem head coach Jack Gati. “Memorial tries to spread you out on defense, but our 3-5 scheme worked really well tonight.”

Memorial coach Dante Laurendi tipped his hat to his opponents.

“They play like you want your football team to play. We didn’t come to play mentally, and you can’t make a lot of mistakes against a team that good,” said Laurendi, whose team fell to 1-1.

Gati said his team, now 2-0, must keep its powerful running game going against Londonderry next week.

“We’re into the real meat of our schedule now. This season’s like a ladder, and we’re just going to take it one rung at a time,” said Gati. “And we’ve climbed the first and second ones now.”