LITCHFIELD — Running back Jesiah Wade is so tough to corral that the single-season program rushing record he set on Saturday may be the second-best way of illustrating his elusiveness.

Wade was unavailable for a post-game interview after leading Campbell of Litchfield past Gilford, 35-14, in Division VI football. Campbell's coaches could not find him anywhere.

But the junior's statistics speak volumes: 19 rushes for 274 yards (five touchdowns). His second-to-last carry — one of three in the second half — went for a 67-yard score that earned him the record.

“Unbelievable. That kid was so good,” Gilford head coach Brad Archer said. “He came around that corner on that 67-yarder and was gone. He is one (heck) of an athlete.”

Wade entered play needing 175 rushing yards to match the previous record-holder. Dave Levesque ran for 1,412 yards in Campbell's first varsity season (2003).

Campbell's quick-strike Cougar has rushed for 1,511 yards and 28 TDs — with two regular-season games to play.

“We didn't even play him in the fourth quarter,” said Campbell head coach Marc Prindiville, confirming Wade's rushing TD total is also a record. “Halfway through the third he was done.”

Campbell (6-1) took control after quarterback Jack Athanas pulled Gilford (0-7) within 7-6. Athanas also tossed a late-game 19-yard score to Jasen Hayden. Malcolm Benevides added the two-point run.

Wade's record-setting day was briefly offset by the ejection of lineman and kicker Trevor Duquette. The junior retaliated to a third-quarter hit. The officials witnessed Duquette's response.

“I'm thinking two games,” Prindiville said. “That's the new (NHIAA) rule. You get thrown out of a game, you get tossed for two.”

Duquette's possible suspension comes soon after a police investigation into the sale of marijuana-laced brownies at the high school. It led to the suspension of several students, including two football players who missed the previous two games.

“They were back (Saturday) in limited access,” said Prindiville, who declined to identify the players. “They have lessons to learn, too.”

Prindiville was certainly willing to name Wade's teammates in the trenches. Left tackle Jake Bumbaca, left guard Duquette, center Steven Amadio, right guard Christian Komacho, right tackle Anthony Decoteau and tight end Vinny Bucci made space for Wade to maneuver.

“When he broke 1,000 yards ... we gave him the ball. He turned around and wanted to hand it to the linemen,” Prindiville said. “He's a good kid.”

mthaler@unionleader.com