SHERMAN — Sherman running back Waymon James ran off tackle for 43 yards on the Bearcats’ first play from scrimmage Friday night in a rout of Denton, 56-6, at Bearcat Stadium.

James’ run was a microcosm of the game, as he took over the first drive and the first half, gaining all 63 yards for Sherman and a touchdown on their first three plays of the game. He put up 192 yards on 11 carries, with two touchdowns and 46 yards receiving before halftime. For the game, James accounted for 12 carries for 227 yards and three touchdowns.

The third touchdown came on the Bearcats’ third play of the second half, when he scampered 35 yards for a score. After that play, with the score 42-0, the Bearcat coaching staff put backup running back Myrone Perry into the game.

The Bronco defense didn’t fare much better against him. On his first three runs, Perry gained 23 yards and scored.

Denton (1-5, 0-2) only managed eight first downs in the game, compared to 29 for Sherman (3-3, 1-1).

The Broncos totaled 234 yards—most of it coming during garbage time at the end of the game.

New starting quarterback Adrian Irvin didn’t spark the offense this week like the coaching staff had hoped he would. Irvin ended the game 4-of-17 for 43 yards, with two interceptions—both in the first half.

He did have a chance to bring the Broncos to within seven with 3:41 left in the first quarter, but he overthrew a deep route that would have been a sure touchdown if caught.

It wasn’t.

Irvin ran for 52 yards on 10 carries in the game, scoring the only Bronco touchdown on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter.

George Tovar also ran the ball well for the Broncos, accounting for 80 yards on 10 carries.

Bearcat quarterback Matt Rome started his first game since Week 1. He played until the second possession of the second half, going 11-of-19 for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

The play of the game came on Sherman’s second drive, when Rome handed the ball off to wide receiver Tyrone Sommers, who promptly launched the ball downfield 45 yards to wide receiver Codi Morris, setting up another James touchdown.

After the third James score in the first minute of the second half, the Bearcats put in their third string quarterback, sophomore Madison Carter, who led them down the field for a touchdown on his first drive. He was 5-of-5 for 29 yards through the air and added 31 yards on the ground.

Denton utility man Ratapol Waitayangkoon caught a 26-yard pass and returned a kickoff 25 yards to give the Broncos good field position in the second quarter.

Chris Pegram’s name was heard a lot, as he made some key stops. He also had one personal foul penalty called on him after pushing a Sherman wide receiver when a play was over.

For Sherman, the win gives the Bearcats some momentum going into an important district game with Ryan next Friday.