Rock Bridge football pulls away to beat Lee's Summit North

COLUMBIA – A 1-9 record last season forced Rock Bridge to make a few changes.
The Bruins have placed more emphasis on their special teams and committed to their running game more. That was visible in the Bruins’ 27-12 victory over the Lee's  Summit North Broncos on Friday.
“The great teams, the championship teams, they have good special teams,” Rock Bridge coach AJ Ofodile said. “We told our starters they’re going to be on special teams.
“We’re also more committed to the running game. We’re committed to it as part of our identity.”
Jaimonte Cooper rushed for two touchdowns, including a 60-yard run in the third quarter. The score put the Bruins up for good 14-12.
Tedder Easton and Stuart Aiken combined for another 90 rushing yards for the Bruins.
Bruins’ quarterback Darryn Hill was 9-for-15 with 144 yards and two passing touchdowns. Both came in the fourth quarter.
Mack Cooper caught a screen pass and scored on a 75-yard play with 10:14 left in the game. Trey Millard scored the fourth touchdown on a three-yard pass 50 seconds later.
“I told him I knew he’d be a little rough at the start,” Ofodile said of Hill. “But I knew he’d rise above it. I knew he’d do well.”
Lee's Summit North running back Quincy Williams turned in a solid performance, rushing for 94 yards on 17 carries. He scored the Broncos’ only offensive touchdown.
Defensive lineman Jake Sumner intercepted a Hill pass for a six-yard touchdown return in the first quarter to put Lee's Summit ahead 6-0 early. But Cooper’s first touchdown gave Rock Bridge a 7-6 lead at the end of the second quarter.
The Broncos attempted two-point conversions after both of their touchdowns but could not convert.
The opening-night victory gives the Bruins as many as they had last season.
“I think it was huge,” Ofodile said. “When they do everything the right way, you want them to get the ‘W.’ But one game doesn’t make a season.”