The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
It took just 90 seconds for the No. 1 ranked West Central Heat to score their first of nine TD's on their way to a 66 to 8 win over West Prairie.
Runs by Kaiden Droste set up QB Mason Carnes' dash for the first score.
The first quarter ended with the Heat up 30 to 0.
Junior QB Mason Carnes was nursing a painful high ankle sprain from the previous week and was limited to just 2 running attempts but it didn't seem to affect his play in directing the Heat to a 52 to 0 halftime lead. Mason, whose brother Max lead the 2020 version of the Heat to an undefeated season, filled his brother shoes very well thank you.
After the Carnes TD, Kaiden Droste rounded out the first quarter scoring with 3 consecutive touches to run the score to 30 to 0. Five more members of the scoring cast were Andy Lumbeck, Parker Meldrum, Devin Shaw, Gage Simpson and Kolton Bell, with each adding a TD.
On the defensive side Devin Shaw picked off two of West Prairie's passes and Colton Fletcher snagged one. All three of the interceptions set up eventual touchdowns.
The Heat defense limited the Cyclones to just 4 first downs, 91 rushing yards and 15 yards passing.
Fifteen different players were in on tackles as Devin Shaw led with 4 solos. Parker Meldrum, Kaiden Droste, Brady McGraw, Matthew Dunn and Kolten Bell each had 2 solos.
With the Heat leading by 52 at half, coach Kirby rested Carnes' ankle in the 2nd half and Freshman QB Gage Stimpson racked up 144 2nd half yards behind the rugged offensive line.
Kaiden Droste led the rushing attack with 231 yards in 12 attempts. Others getting in on the running game were Devin Shaw with 75 yards, Hunter Shrader with 42, Kolton Bell with 39, Mason Carnes with 7 and Parker Meldrum with 5.
The Heat will be at home again next Saturday (Sept. 11th) at 1:00 p.m. when they will square off against Bushnell-P.C.