CLEVELAND -- Looking for its first victory as a varsity program, Rudder managed to slow down the irresistable force of Cleveland's running attack but couldn't get past the immovable object that was the Indians' defense in a 25-6 loss Friday in the Rangers' season opener.

Cleveland scored on all four of its possessions in the first half and lead Rudder 18-0 with 10 minutes left in the second quarter. The Rudder defense stepped up the rest of the way, however, forcing fumbles on the goal line twice and shutting out Cleveland in the second half.

Still, the Indians rushed for 344 yards while averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Rudder's offense could not match that output, gaining 270 total yards and averaging 6.6 yards per run.

Will Johnson scored all of Rudder's points, converting field goals from 40 and 47 yards. The second ended the first half and accounted for the final points scored in the game.

Rudder was undone by turnovers and penalties all night. The Rangers gave the ball away three times (two interceptions, one fumble) and were flagged 12 times for 71 yards.

Cleveland's second touchdown, a 1-yard run by Joe Robertson, was set up when the Indians recovered a fumble on the Rangers' 28-yard line. Eight minutes later, Cleveland scored its third touchdown seven plays after intercepting a Kyle Danford pass.

Rudder barely avoided disaster on its first scoring drive. A would-be Cleveland interception was waived off because of a penalty.

Danford led the Rangers with 91 rushing yards. The junior completed 9 of 15 passes for 72 yards and punted three times for 111 yards.

Mike Jones had four catches for 29 yards, leading the team in receiving yards. Tre Hammond caught one pass for 13 yards and Kelton Taylor had two catches for eight yards.

Rudder (0-1) plays host to Brookshire Royal on Friday.

RUDDER FOOTBALL

* Friday's game: Cleveland 25, Rudder 6

* Records: Rudder (0-1), Cleveland (2-0)

* Next: Brookshire Royal at Rudder, 7:30 p.m. Friday