North Callaway had 11 total drives in its homecoming game Friday against Van-Far. Eight resulted in touchdowns.
The Thunderbirds ran it down the Indians throats as they scored six touchdowns on the ground, with seniors Trevor Ray and Manny Moreno scoring two each, as North Callaway defeated Van-Far 56-0.
Head coach Travis Blevins said the defense was once again stellar for the Thunderbirds (3-0, 3-0 EMO) as they only allowed six points through three games played thus far. However, he thought this win demonstrated how North Callaway has many effective weapons on offense.
"Offensively, we played really well tonight to kind of equal the effort of our defense," Blevins said. "Our defense has played very well all three games this far, only giving up six points in three games is saying a lot about those kids. Offensively tonight, we matched that tempo and mindset and really execute well."
The usual customers, Ray and Moreno, each had productive games combining for 159 yards on 18 carries. But the receiving core of seniors Blake Whipple and Payton Olsson gave North Callaway 154 yards through the air to complement its 360 yards on 26 carries.
Olsson had more than 200 total yards of offense as he made four catches for 114 yards and had an 86-yard run for a score on his only attempt.
The North Callaway offense turned the ball over on its first series but scored on its next five to bring the halftime score to 33-0. Ray scored one of his touchdowns, gaining 91 yards in 11 carries on the night, and Moreno scored both of his, giving him 68 yards on seven touches. Junior Bradyn O'Neal threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Whipple.
Blevins said that interception was a timing mistake between quarterback and receiver, but North Callaway was able to get back to what it has excelled at so far this season: running the football with physicality. It all started up front with the play of the offensive line, including from senior offensive lineman and homecoming king Zeke Gilman.
"From right to left, you include tight ends on (the offensive line), my son, Drew Blevins, Zeke Gilman, Brandon Speight, Eli Henry, Cooper Wortmann and Davis Woods allowed us to throw the ball and do what we wanted to do," Blevins said.
The Thunderbirds had to punt on their last first-half drive but had their foot on the gas pedal again as they scored on the next three possessions - including a 51-yard touchdown pass by O'Neal to Olsson.
Van-Far had a 119-yard rusher in Brandon Eoff but only gained 105 collectively. Still, Blevins said the Indians were able to sustain some drives in the first half and test North Callaway's defense. He said he's proud the Thunderbirds were able to thwart long drives to turn Van-Far over on downs.
"Unfortuntately, the scores don't dictate really some of the good things they do, but our guys just rose to the challenge and just kept coming every play," Blevins said. "
Starting on their fourth drive, the Indians were punting or turning the ball over on every series, partly because they were unable to throw the ball, Blevins said. Van-Far only had three passing completions to its receivers late in the game but four if you count the interception thrown early in the second half.
North Callaway was finally stopped in its tracks on its last drive, but it was because the game clock ran out of time.
Blevins said he is aware how special it is to win the homecoming game as he remembers his freshman year at North Callaway when the Thunderbirds won the game that season after losing the previous 10. He said the team this season has much talent who can win games down the road.
"We want to take advantage of the guys we have and share that wealth," Blevins said. "That way, when everybody prepares for the football ahead, we're not going to give the ball in one place or throw the ball in one place."
North Callaway travels to Strafford (2-1) next week for its first and only nonconference game.