EARLY – The Early Longhorns shook off a slow start and first-quarter deficit, as a 24-point second period fueled a 52-10 blowout victory over the archrival Bangs Dragons in Friday night’s season opener for both squads.
Trailing 10-8 after one quarter, the Longhorns (1-0) surged in front of the Dragons (0-1) by a 32-10 count at halftime, and added their final 20 points during the third period.
Early finished with 378 yards of total offense – 201 through the air and 177 on the ground – and overcame a pair of turnovers. Bangs mustered 262 total yards – 214 through the air and 48 on the ground – but coughed up the ball on three occasions.
Through the air, Rohyn Price completed 9 of 19 passes for 175 yards with four touchdowns and one interception for the Longhorns, while rushing for two more touchdowns on 13 carries.
Leading receivers included Ki Houston with four grabs for 102 yards and a touchdown; Weston Barton with three catches for 51 yards and a trip to the end zone; Andrew Reedy with two receptions for 30 yards and a score; and Ben Bleth hauled in an 18-yard scoring reception.
Griffin Cheslock sparked the rushing attack with 132 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
For Bangs, Kenny Cole connected on 10 of 21 passes for 214 yards with one scoring toss and one pick.
Hunter Newton was the top receiver for Bangs with four catches for 87 yards, trailed by Kade Minshew with a 67-yard reception, Aden Jones with a 36-yard touchdown grab, and Ethan Ethridge added a 16-yard catch.
On the ground, Skylar Minshew led all Bangs ball carriers with 41 yards on 11 carries.
The Longhorns will shoot for a 2-0 start next week at Tolar, a 49-9 winner over Peaster in Week 1. Meanwhile, the Dragons will attempt to pick up their first victory under new head coach Jason Cole at Comanche, which knocked off Brady, 37-8, Friday night.
