Erath High has its own version of the "Pony Express"

ERATH - Erath High Bobcats now have the 2015 version of the “Pony Express.”
In 1981, sports writers coined the phrase “Pony Express” when describing Southern Methodist University’s pair of running backs, Eric Dickerson and Craig James.
During their career at SMU, they combined to rush for more than 7,000 yards.
The Bobcats (4-2, 3-0 in district) have two running backs who have become a double threat for Erath. One is a junior and the other is a senior.
Junior Elijah Mitchell has speed and vision like Dickerson, while Moore has the power and quickness like James.
Mitchell has now rushed for 1,000 yards for three straight years, something that has never been done at Erath High School.
Moore has rushed for 549 yards on 42 carries and he has scored six touchdowns in 2015.. He also has four receptions for 18 yards.
Moore, 6-2, 190 pounds, said there is a friendly competition between Mitchell and him. The competition is which running back is going to finish the game with the best average per carry. Moore has outgained Mitchell in two games, but lately, Mitchell has turned it up a notch and has run for two 270-yard games, while Moore has run for two 100 plus yards.
“It is a cool competition,” said Moore between the two.
When the game is over and Moore hears the stats, he will break the news to Mitchell at the end of the night who won or lost the competition.
On the season, Mitchell leads the bet with an 11-yards per carry average, while Moore’s average is 9.5 yards per carry.
Both Moore and Mitchell are considered tailbacks and share the rushing duties. Running out of the I-Formation, they alternate who carries the football. One play, it could be Moore and then Mitchell takes his turn.
“Elijah is not selfish,” said Moore. “There are times where he will tell me in the huddle, ‘you can take that.’ He wants to be fair and make sure I get my carries.”
This season, Moore has rushed for as little as 8 yards (against VC) to as many as 139 yards (against Berwick).
After only 8 yards against VC, Moore has averaged 118 yards a game the last three games. Mitchell has averaged 195 yards a game over three games.
The reason for the increase in the offensive production the last three games points to one thing, said Moore.
“The offensive line has made tremendous improvements over the last few weeks,” Moore said. “I can seriously walk through their blocks and make a first down because they do so well.”
During a recent game, Moore remembers getting the football and the offensive line cleared a hole that was so big to run through that, “I got so excited and almost tripped because I lost focus. It was not funny at the time, but I think back and laugh.”
Because of the offensive line’s improvements, coupled with the “Pony Express,” Erath is in the driver’s seat at 3-0 in district.
They step out of district Friday and travel to Thibodeaux to play South Plaquemine. The game will be played at Nicholls State at the neutral location.
Moore’s goal for Erath is to make the playoffs his senior year. Erath made the playoffs when he was a freshman. The ultimate goal would be for Erath to have a home playoff game.
The Pony Express just may lead them there.