LONGMONT — There's no secret about the ability of Erie running back Noah Roper. That went out the window a long time ago.
All his opponents can do is brace themselves and try to contain him as much as possible.
On Friday night it was Mead's turn, and the Mavericks have dominated the series in recent history. But Roper finally checked that off the list in his senior season as Erie defeated Mead, 41-24, for the first time since 2012.
He finished the game with 304 yards and four touchdowns on 32 carries, added another 50 yards through the air and pulled down two defensive interceptions. The performance lifted him above 5,000 career rushing yards.
The victory improved Erie, the top-ranked team in Class 3A, to 5-0 on the season. Mead (2-3) hung close and cut its deficit to as little as 34-24 in the fourth quarter, but was unable to pull off the upset.
The Mavericks were led offensively by quarterback Brady Veltien, who had a 100-passing yard game. He and Ryan Bullock both had one short rushing touchdown each, while Taylor Kamigaki contributed a fumble recovery in the end zone and a 26-yard field goal.
Aside from Roper's four, Erie had an 18-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Mendoza to Jaymeson Nelms, and a 5-yard run from Ian Vera.
Erie will next begin North Valley League play against Northridge (0-5) on the road Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Mead hosts Skyview (2-3) at 7 p.m. Friday for its Northern Metro League opener.
