FORT WAYNE, IN – Myles McLaughlin needed 364 yards to break the high school national career 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 drizzling rain.
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, who averaged 367 yards this season, rushed for 52 yards in the first half of Friday’s game. Bishop Luers’ defense was too much for him as he finished with 78 yards in what was his lowest game in Knox’s 13-1 season. His longest carry of the night was 11 yards for a first down in the second quarter.
Before Friday’s game, McLaughlin had 4,768 yards for the season, which is the Indiana record. He rushed for 2,830 as a junior, 2,584 as a sophomore and 1,579 as a freshman.
In last week’s regional championship game against Angola, 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.
Myles McLaughlin is ‘truly special’
Knox coach Russ Radtke talked to IndyStar before Friday’s game about his star player who he says has an intense work ethic and is a true leader of his team.
‘His competitiveness drives him to elevate not only his own performance but also the standard for everyone around him,’ Radtke said, ‘and his football IQ allows him to anticipate plays, read defenses and make adjustments that give his team an edge.’
Radtke, who’s coached for 40 years, says McLaughlin stands out.
‘What makes him truly special is the rare combination of competitiveness and intelligence. He’s not just playing the game, he’s thinking it through at every level,’ said Radtke. ‘His ability to balance intensity with composure makes him someone teammates want to follow.’
But McLaughlin’s athletic prowess — he plays varsity basketball and baseball — is not the only thing that stands out, says Radtke. The Knox star plans to major in special education in college, though what school he will play at is still undecided. McLaughlin has received several college offers, including Division I offers from Ball State, Valparaiso and Murray State.
Outside of football, McLaughlin spends time with and mentors children with special needs.
‘He has always taken care of what he needs to off the field as well and helps out with the younger kids,’ Radtke said. ‘He is always looking to lend a helping hand.’
A day before McLaughlin went for his record, Henry talked to IndyStar, saying he was happy for the success McLaughlin has had.
‘Records are meant to be broken. I’ve had it for 10-plus years, so somebody is going to come around and do something special, and it’s him this year,’ Henry said. ‘I’m happy for him.’
Henry also offered some advice for the player chasing his record.
‘Don’t put any pressure on yourself. Go out there and do what you’ve always done, and that’s ball out, be the best player on the team and be a leader,’ he said. ‘Go out there and get the ‘W,’ get the record and go win your state championship.’
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.
