CLARKSVILLE, Mo. - The state-ranked North Callaway Thunderbirds inflicted more damage on Clopton/Elsberry's already disheveled defense.
Senior running back Adam Reno rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns, helping North Callaway set a school record for points scored as the Thunderbirds demolished Clopton/Elsberry 73-8 in Eastern Missouri Conference play Friday night.
The IndianHawks - who had surrendered 109 points combined in their two previous games - were tormented again by North Callaway. The win was the fourth in a row for the Thunderbirds, ranked No. 10 in Class 2, as they improved to 4-1 overall and stayed unbeaten in the EMO at 3-0.
North Callaway's defense also forced seven turnovers by Clopton/Elsberry (2-3, 0-3), converting one into a touchdown.
"It was an ugly game, but we took a good step forward," Thunderbirds head coach Kevin O'Neal said.
Reno had just nine carries, but made the most of them as North Callaway generated 317 yards rushing as a team. He had touchdown runs of 19 and 7 yards in the first quarter, then sprinted 66 yards for a score with 11 minutes, 37 seconds left in the second quarter to extend the Thunderbirds' imposing lead to 39-0.
Reno's final score came in the third quarter when he lined up to punt but mishandled the snap. He gathered up the ball and raced 75 yards for a touchdown.
Junior running back Jordan Delashmutt also delivered touchdown runs of 3, 5 and 58 yards for North Callaway, finishing with 65 yards in only five attempts. Senior wide receiver Austin Edwards contributed a 47-yard touchdown run for the Thunderbirds and freshman running back Cody Cash scored on a 2-yard run.
With its running game punishing Clopton/Elsberry's defense, North Callaway didn't need to rely on throwing the ball. Sophomore quarterback Tully Thomsen completed 2-of-3 passes for 61 yards, with the majority of that output coming on a 51-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Dawson Wright in the first quarter.
Thomsen now has eight touchdown passes in his last four games, including three to Wright, and has not thrown an interception this season.
Thunderbirds senior defensive end Clark Zerr returned a fumble by the IndianHawks 14 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Thomsen - playing defense for the first time this season - came up with two of North Callaway's three interceptions from his cornerback position.
Clopton/Elsberry finished with 219 yards of total offense, including 132 yards passing. The IndianHawks' lone score came on a 61-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Shawn Yates to senior wide receiver Matt Klopcic in the second quarter.
The Thunderbirds celebrate homecoming this week against EMO opponent Wright City (3-2, 2-1). The Wildcats breezed to their second straight victory Friday night, a commanding 49-16 EMO triumph at home over Van-Far/Community R-6.
Ryan Boland can be reached at (573) 826-2422, or on Twitter @FultonSunSports.