Defensive and special-teams scores aren't a given, so the state-ranked South Callaway Bulldogs certainly have to be enjoying this embarrassment of riches.
South Callaway's defense was responsible for two touchdowns and senior slot receiver Cory Hanger returned a punt for a score for the third straight game as the unbeaten Bulldogs hammered the Wright City Wildcats 55-6 in an EMO rampage Friday night.
Ranked No. 3 in Class 2, South Callaway is now 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in the Eastern Missouri Conference. The Bulldogs - who have five defensive touchdowns on the season - have scored more than 50 points in each of their five games.
With South Callaway already up 7-0, senior linebacker Dylan Hare ran back an interception 18 yards for a touchdown with 8 minutes, 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The Bulldogs had extended their lead to 28-0 when junior linebacker Dillon Stone scooped up a fumble and raced about 25 yards for a score with 8:23 to play in the second quarter.
South Callaway's advantage had expanded to 48-0 when Hanger collected a punt and bolted 52 yards for a touchdown with :47 left in the half. It was Hanger's fourth punt return for a score this season. He has had two TD returns erased by penalties.
"Our goal is to score four touchdowns per game on offense," Bulldogs head coach Tim Rulo said. "To be able to get one or two touchdowns from our defense and special teams, it's amazing because it takes so much pressure off the offense.
"It's not something you can always plan for, but man, is it nice when it happens."
Senior running back Dakoda Ballard punctuated South Callaway's opening series - an eight-play, 57-yard drive - on a 2-yard touchdown run with 9:56 to go in the first quarter. After Hare's interception return, senior quarterback Troy Hentges made it 21-0 on a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:05 remaining in the quarter.
Hentges followed up by connecting with senior slot receiver Mason Shoemaker on a 44-yard touchdown pass at the 8:37 mark of the second quarter. Following Stone's fumble return, Hanger scored on a 42-yard touchdown run to push the Bulldogs' lead to 41-0 with 5:53 to play.
Senior wide receiver Tyler Adams then scored on a 13-yard run for South Callaway with 2:57 left, and Hanger followed with his punt return just before the break.
The Bulldogs produced 259 yards of total offense, including 195 rushing. Hanger finished with a game-high 57 yards on just three carries, while freshman running back Kaden Helsel had 49 yards on only two touches. Hentges was 4-of-5 passing for 64 yards with the one touchdown and one interception.
"I love seeing our guys really starting to evaluate and see how to put themselves in position to be successful," Rulo said. "I don't want to ever stifle that creativity."
South Callaway's defense held Wright City (1-4, 1-2) to a meager 45 net yards and forced four turnovers.
"The defense adjusted well to Wright City running some different plays and formations," Rulo said. "They swarmed and punished, and had a lot of fun together."
The Bulldogs return home this week for their annual Callaway Cup rivalry game against North Callaway. The Thunderbirds are 3-2 on the season and 2-1 in the EMO after Friday night's 41-18 homecoming triumph over Mark Twain.