The Albert Lea football team struggled running the ball Thursday, according to the Rochester Post-Bulletin, and managed 22 rushing yards on 18 carries in a 49-7 loss to Rochester John Marshall in Rochester.

The Rockets (3-1, 2-1 Big Nine) built a 35-0 at halftime and were led by quarterback Jake Kirsch who threw for five touchdown passes and played into the third quarter.

Rockets running back D’Von Vanderbilt had 89 yards on five carries that included a 45-yard touchdown in the first quarter, according to the Post-Bulletin.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the Big Nine Conference. The Tigers were one of three teams without a win in the conference entering Friday until Mankato East beat Austin 24-13 in a battle of winless squads.

The Tigers play again at 7 p.m. Friday at Winona and play its homecoming game at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 against Mankato East at Hammer Field.

Follow Tribune Sports on Twitter (at)altribunesports for live game updates at all Albert Lea football games at Hammer Field.