Norco’s Gerhart Tops Inland Empire to Remain on Pace for State Rushing Mark

Toby Gerhart of Norco became the Inland Empire’s career rushing leader Thursday night when he finished with 236 yards in 12 carries in a 49-21 nonleague victory over Tustin.

Gerhart has 7,438 yards rushing during four seasons, eclipsing the Inland Empire record of 7,256 yards by Moreno Valley Valley View’s David Dotson (1989-91).

Gerhart becomes the third-leading rusher in state history behind the 8,495 yards of Ventura St. Bonaventure’s Lorenzo Booker (1999-2001) and the 7,761 yards of Tulare’s Dominique Dorsey (1998-2000).

Norco (5-0), ranked No. 10 in the Southland by The Times, has five Mountain View League games left, including one against No. 11 Corona Centennial on Friday.

Norco and Centennial are two of the contenders for the Southern Section Division V title. If Norco were to play in the championship game, Gerhart could play nine more games. He needs to gain 1,058 yards to surpass Booker.

The teams met last season in the Division V final, won by Centennial, 49-35. Gerhart had 223 rushing yards and all five Norco touchdowns in that game.

At his current pace of more than 202 yards rushing a game this season, Gerhart could break the state record in the first round of the playoffs.

Dan Loumena

*

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Record Rushers

The state’s career rushing leaders:

*--* Player, School Years Yards Lorenzo Booker, St. Bonaventure 1999-01 8,495 Dominique Dorsey, Tulare 1998-00 7,761 Toby Gerhart, Norco 2002-05 7,438 Tyler Ebell, Ventura 1998-00 7,385 David Dotson, Valley View 1989-91 7,257 Michael Jones, Laguna Hills 1995-97 7,175 Steve Wofford, Bakersfield 1992-94 7,100 Curtis Brown, Paraclete 1998-01 7,025 Manuel White, Valencia 1997-99 6,745 Chad Kackert, Grace Brethren 2002-04 6,734 Marcus Guzman, Norco 1997-99 6,625 George Keiaho, Buena 1990-93 6,615 Terrell Jackson, Cor. Centennial 2001-03 6,487 Justin Fargas, S.O. Notre Dame 1995-97 6,352

*--*

Source: Cal-Hi Sports