Jason Bainum

        WILLIAMSBURG — Jason Bainum is Ohio's high school single-season football rushing leader.

        A 498-yard performance on 43 carries Thursday in Williamsburg's 70-0 victory over Hillcrest gave Bainum 2,955 yards this season — breaking the single-season rushing record of 2,856 set by Troy's Ryan Brewer in 1998.

        Williamsburg has one regular-season game remaining.

        Bainum broke the record on the final play of the third quarter — a 13-yard carry.

        When the announcement was made, the crowd stood and cheered.

        “I don't think it's sunk in as of yet,” said Bainum, who agreed to be interviewed on television only if the entire offensive line was standing behind him. “You know I couldn't have done it without these guys. They block for me, and that's the key. Any good running back will tell you the same thing.”

        Williamsburg coach Ken Osborne was relieved the record was broken.

        “We can now concentrate on next week's game against New Richmond and not worry about records,” Osborne said. “This will take the pressure off Jason in the biggest game of the season.”

        If the Wildcats defeat New Richmond, they will clinch a spot in the Division VI playoffs. A loss would put them on the playoff bubble.

        After Bainum was held to 21 yards on nine carries in the first quarter, it appeared the record would stand for another week.

        But Osborne altered the offense, going with several new formations that opened up Hillcrest's defense. Bainum went on to run for 193 yards during the second quarter.

        Hillcrest's defense tired

        in the third quarter, and Bainum went wild. He scored four touchdowns before breaking the record.

        “We were too relaxed in the first quarter and didn't play well,” Bainum said. “But we have confidence in each other and got it going in the second quarter.”

        The 498-yard performance ranks second in OHSAA single-game history. Troy's Bob Ferguson (1956) holds the record at 529. Before Thursday's game, Ferguson and Bainum were tied for second with 475.

        Bainum now holds four of the top 10 rushing performances in the state: 498 (2nd), 475 (3rd), 415 (9th) and 411 (10th).

        Realizing the talents of Bainum, Osborne devised the offense, which has seven linemen, two backs line up in the gap behind the tackle and guard, and a wide receiver.

        Bainum lines up in the shotgun, looks over the blocking and finds a hole to run through. The offensive line performed like a finely tuned machine against the outmanned Titans.

        “We started coming together during the fourth game,” Bainum said. “We've now won five straight games, but making the playoffs is more important than breaking the record.”

        Hillcrest ....... 0   0   0   0— 0

        Williamsburg ....... 7  21  21  14—70

        W—Sponsel 21 pass from Bainum (Lindsey kick)

        W—Bainum 7 run (kick wide)

        W—Bainum 54 run (Bainum run)

        W—Bainum 6 run (Lindsey kick)

        W—Bainum 38 run (Lindsey kick)

        W—Poole 1 run (Lindsey kick)

        W—Bainum 40 run (Lindsey kick)

        W—Sicurella 1 run (Lindsey kick)

        W—Acevedo 1 run (Lindsey kick)

        Records: Williamsburg 6-3, H 1-6.

        Friday story: Unique offense for unique talent
        Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball

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