HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Maize Eagles wasted no time setting the tone Friday night at Gowans Stadium, rolling past Hutchinson 56-19 in the Salthawks’ home opener.
Maize quarterback Brayden Myovela got the Eagles started with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Pierce George after a trick play set up first-and-goal with 9:10 left in the first quarter. What looked like a running play of the middle ended up being a backwards lateral to Pierce George who then connected with Myovela for a 59 yard completion.
The Eagles poured it on from there, striking twice more in the opening period — including a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by Kevin Corea.
Hutchinson briefly answered on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Robert Hunter to Lamar Govain, but Maize countered with another quick strike, a 38-yard touchdown pass from Myovela to William Stanley with 49 seconds to go in the first quarter. The Eagles led 28-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Maize extended its advantage before halftime, tacking on two more touchdowns and a fumble recovery in the end zone to take a commanding 49-7 lead into the locker room.
Hunter gave Hutchinson some highlights in the second half, connecting with Drayden Hippen on a 22-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter and later finding Larry Jeremiah on a 40-yard score in the fourth. Hunter finished 6 of 12 passing for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Myovela completed 5 of 8 passes for 129 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Eagles, who improved to 3-0.
Maize travels to Derby next week in a clash of unbeatens, while Hutchinson (2-1) hosts winless Salina South.