by Frank Aceto

Associate Sports Editor

It was a once-in-a-lifetime career from a once-in-a-lifetime tailback.

After the first 11 games of the 2008 season, however, it could be argued that Tallmadge has another once-in-a-lifetime tailback, who also is having a once-in-a-lifetime career.

Or maybe twice-in-a-lifetime tailback sounds more accurate.

Whatever the case may be, the Blue Devils have another rarefied talent in their backfield. Tyler Fortner, a senior who seems like he has a football in his hands just about everywhere he goes, made history Nov. 1.

After a 263-yard, three-touchdown night on 40 carries during the Blue Devils' 30-17 victory over Padua Franciscan in a Division II regional quarterfinal contest Nov. 1 in Parma,

Fortner is now the all-time single-season rushing leader in school history.

Fortner's total was 2,309 yards and counting with a regional semifinal date with Madison Nov. 8. Results of that game were not available at press time.

He also had 22 rushing touchdowns -- 24 if you count two TD receptions -- and was averaging 7.5 yards per carry after his first 11 games. He had a school-record 309 carries as of press time.

"Tyler is a workhorse," Vassalotti said. "But our offensive line deserves a lot of credit. We've seen a lot of defenses designed to stop Tyler."

Tyler passed a name who could be labeled Tallmadge's greatest offensive player in school history.

Jamel Miller, a 2006 graduate and the school's career leading rusher, had 2,278 yards in 14 games in 2004. Miller also rushed for 2,122 yards in 14 games in 2005.

"As a kid, I always looked up to Jamel," Fortner said. "It's an honor to break his record."

Miller, on the other hand, played deep in the postseason. The Blue Devils won six postseason games and reached the final four during Miller's last two seasons.

If Tallmadge is going to reach the final four for the first time in three years, Fortner will play a significant role.

"Our strategy is to pound the ball against defenses that our geared to stop the run," he said.

Record or no record, just about everyone knows about Fortner.

In fact, on a number of occasions, it would be safe to say the opposing defense and everyone in the stadium knows Fortner will get the ball.

How does the busy tailback respond to such a fact?

"I really don't know how to explain that," Fortner said.

E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3914