KNOX — Peddled by a rushing attack that gathered 267 yards, Keystone (7-4) cruised past Union/Allegheny-Clarion Valley (5-6) Friday night at Keystone High school, 35-15, in the first round of the District 9, Region 2 playoffs.

“I just think the guys did a great job,” Keystone coach Todd Smith said. “In the first half our offense did really well and I thought in the second half our defense really stepped up.”

Keystone running back Kyle Nellis set the tone on the first play of the game with a 67-yard scamper for the game’s first score.

Nellis racked up 167 rushing yards on 20 attempts, helping his team move on to the next round of the playoffs.

“That was huge,” Nellis said. “We needed a big momentum starter and that touchdown was the perfect way to do it and we kept it rolling all game.”

Aiden Sell scored the next touchdown for Keystone off a 16-yard run, but Union/A-C

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. Subscribers can read the full story at the link below. To support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.