The showdown for sole possession of first place in the Big 7 Conference turned into a beat-down. WPIAL Class 1A No. 5-ranked Laurel throttled No. 3 South Side, 45-7, Friday night at the home field of the victorious Spartans.

Laurel (8-1, 5-0) was led by Kolton Carlson, who rushed for 128 yards and scored a touchdown on a 62-yard run among his three touchdowns. Luca Santini completed six of 11 pass attempts for 153 yards and three touchdowns. Two of the scoring tosses went to Carlson. The other TD pass went to Jack Miles for 12 yards.

The Rams (7-2, 4-1) trailed 24-7 at halftime after leading 7-3 midway through the first quarter on a six-yard run by Andrew Corfield.

Laurel outgained South Side in total offense, 374 yards to 209 and amassed an 18-12 edge in first downs.

Laurel finishes t

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