All season long, one of Warren Central’s most glaring weaknesses has been the running game.

The Vikings haven’t been able to stop the run, and haven’t been able to move it on the ground themselves.

For one night, at least, they figured out half of the equation.

Warren Central rushed for 140 yards as a team in a 42-14 loss to Madison Central on Friday night. Sophomore Aaron Stamps had 140 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries for his first career 100-yard game — and WC’s first of the year.

The team total was the second-highest of the season for the Vikings (1-6, 1-2 Region 2-6A) and allowed them to stay close to a strong Madison squad until late in the fourth quarter.

“Our linemen are getting better and our young backs are starting to play,” WC coach Josh Morgan said. “Stamps, you’ve got to remember he’s a sophomore. He’s starting to understand what’s expected of him and starting to see the cuts a little bit better. I think that’s going to continue.”

Before Friday night, Stamps had rushed for a total of 137 yards in Warren Central’s first six games. His best output had been a 15-carry, 38-yard night in an overtime loss to Callaway.

Against Madison Central, he was fed the ball time and again and made the most of the opportunity. He ran hard and with speed, keying a first-quarter scoring drive with three runs that totaled 27 yards. That included an 11-yard sprint into the secondary where he was walloped by a Jaguar defender. Later, the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run on which he broke several tackles.

Stamps added a 4-yard touchdown run with 7:06 remaining in the fourth quarter that cut Madison’s lead to 21-14. A kickoff return for a touchdown and two late scores allowed Madison Central to turn the game into a rout in the final minutes.

“We started blocking well and making big plays,” Stamps said. “This was great. My first hundred-yard game.”

Stamps’ effort was one of three factors that contributed to WC’s running resurgence. Its undersized offensive line matched up better with a smaller defensive front for Madison Central, than it had with other recent opponents. Instead of getting pushed around, the linemen were able to hold their blocks and open some holes for Stamps.

The Vikings’ passing game has also loosened up opposing defenses. Quarterback Chase Ladd and receiver Kourey Davis have connected for eight touchdowns this season, giving the team a downfield presence that defenses have to respect.

“We’re starting to throw the ball with a little bit of effectiveness, and people are having to get out of there. That’s helping us out,” Morgan said. “Instead of people pounding in on the box, we’re spreading people out. We’re doing a good job setting up and complementing the run and pass.”