Knox's Myles McLaughlin falls short of national rushing record, season over

FORT WAYNE -- Myles McLaughlin needed 364 yards to break the high school national rushing record held by Derrick Henry, one of the NFL's most dominant running backs. The Friday night lights were shining, the stands were packed, and the crisp November air was biting.

But on this night, it wasn't meant to be for Knox High's McLaughlin, who recorded just 78 yards in the 3A semistate game against Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, which beat Knox 35-0. With McLaughlin's high school career over, Henry's 13-year record of 12,124 yards stands.

McLaughlin rushed for 52 yards in the in the first half, but Bishop Luers' defense was too much for him as he finished the game with 78 yards in what was his season low in Knox's 13-1 season.

In last week's regional championship game, McLaughlin set the Indiana and national record for touchdowns in a season with his second score, passing the 68 scored by New Palestine's Charlie Spegal and Albemarle, N.C.'s T.A. McClendon.

In that game, McLaughlin had 372 rushing yards and four touchdowns, giving him 11,761 yards for his career and leaving him 364 yards short of Henry's all-time mark.

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Knox's Myles McLaughlin falls short of national rushing record, season over