SWEETWATER – The District 2-3A Division II runner-up Early Longhorns scored six touchdowns in the first period alone, and reached the end zone nine times in the opening half of a 62-0 Region I bi-district clubbing of the District 1 third-seeded Odessa Compass Academy Cougars Thursday night.
The Longhorns (7-4) finished with 446 yards of total offense – 272 rushing and 174 passing – and overcame a pair of turnovers, while surrendering just 44 yards – 31 through the air and 13 on the ground – and forcing six Compass (4-7) turnovers.
Quarterback Jaxyn Price connected on 8 of 14 passes for 141 yards with four touchdowns for the Longhorns, Justin Pierce added 30 yards through the air and Rohyn Price completed a 3-yard pass.
Top targets for the Early quarterbacks were Jeremy Brown with three catches for 57 yards and a pair of touchdowns; Ki Houston with a 23-yard scoring reception; Caleb McCullough with a 7-yard scoring grab; Sebastian Constancia with a pair of receptions totaling 20 yards; and Reese Middleton with two catches for 13 yards. Griffin Cheslock (22 yards), John-Stewart Gordon (20 yards), and Cedrick Moreland also yanked down passes.
On the ground for Early, Cheslock led the way with 140 yards and a touchdown, Kaleb Ozuna chipped in 59 yards and a score, and Morelan rushed for a 6-yard touchdown on his lone carry.
Brown also returned Compass’ lone kickoff of the game 90 yards for a touchdown.
Defensively, the Longhorns limited Compass to 4 of 21 passing with three interceptions, while allowing 0.3 yards per carry on 38 rushes with a trio of fumbles lost.
Next week, the Longhorns will battle Harris Ratings Weekly No. 3 Canadian (9-2) – which knocked off Lubbock Roosevelt, 70-8, Thursday night – in area round action.
