Rutherford wins Perry debut, transfer plays big role in victory

Perry running back Maleik Hemingway, a transfer from Bishop Canevin, stiff arms Carrick defensive back Will Lewis on his way to the endzone Thursday night at Cupples Stadium. While the play was called back for holding, Hemingway did score twice.

By Josh Rizzo
PITTSBURGH -- Rod Rutherford hasn't attended many Perry football games since he graduated in 1998. Being back on the South Side for a game night brought out a different feeling.

The former Commodores and University of Pittsburgh standout felt like a backseat driver during his coaching debut Thursday night at Cupples Stadium, a 49-0 Perry win over Carrick.

"It's hard, being that I played on this field," said Rutherford, who led Perry to the 1997 PIAA Class 3A championship game. "Not being in control of my destiny in a way I guess. All I can o is call a play. I'm not out here creating and doing the things I would love to do. It was interesting."

Rutherford, a former quarterback, bounced between the NFL and various indoor leagues from 2004-2012. He also had stints as a coach at Pitt, St. Vincent College and Indiana (Pa.). What he's trying to bring to Perry, which hasn't won a City League championship since 2012, is variety.

"I think it's a fun offense," Rutherford said. "I think it gives a bunch of guys opportunities to make plays. I want to put them in a position to be successful."

Perry quarterback David Freeman helped keep the ball moving. Freeman tossed two touchdown passes to Randy Williams and returned an interception 37 yards for a score. The Commodores, which led 12-0 at the half, broke open the game with 30 third-quarter points.

Maleik mania

Bishop Canevin transfer Maleik Hemingway left an immediate impression on his Perry teammates. Fielding a punt off several bounces, Hemingway weaved through Raiders defenders for a 78-yard touchdown with 9 minutes, 29 seconds left in the first quarter.

"I was thinking I had to take it to the house," Hemingway said. 

Hemingway spent a lot of time there. He also scored on a nine-yard run in the third quarter and had two other touchdown runs called back by penalties.

Last season, Hemingway piled up over 1,500 yards rushing for Bishop Canevin. Hardship forced Hemingway back to his hometown school.

"The tuition at Bishop Canevin was putting me in a deep hole," Hemingway said. "I had to go to my home town school."

Fitting in hasn't been an issue. He played at wide receiver in the backfield. On defense, he was tasked with playing cornerback.

"The sky's the limit for him," Rutherford said. "We have to continue to keep working him hard."

Carrick fights through low numbers

Carrick, which dressed 19 players, had its best scoring drive halted at the Perry 7. At the beginning of the second quarter, a pass by Raiders quarterback L.J. Orbovich was tipped and intercepted by Perry defensive back Jakar Tucker in the endzone.

The Commodores intercepted four passes and wore down the smaller Raiders' team. Carrick (0-2, 0-1) has lost 14 straight and hasn't scored in double figures since a 34-26 win over Imani Christian Sept. 25, 2015.

"The kids come out and fight hard," Carrick coach Ed White said. "We condition hard and the kids work hard during the week. Once we get down, we go to the old mentality of the old Carrick. They look down and they try to question themselves some times. We're trying to change the culture. That's the biggest thing we can do. Even without as many kids as we should have. We want to change the culture."