After a slow start, Colonel Crawford’s offense cranked up in the second half and the Eagles rolled to a 42-21 victory over Mount Gilead in the season opener for both teams on Friday at North Robinson.

The Indians (0-1) led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter and Colonel Crawford grabbed a 7-6 edge at halftime. The Eagles (1-0) outgunned Mount Gilead 35-15 over the final two periods to earn the win.

Fans were treated to a battle between two of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the area. Colonel Crawford senior Will Kirkpatrick did all of his damage on ground, rushing for 264 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries. His big gainer was a 65-yard scamper. Kirkpatrick was 0-for-4 passing with one interception.

Indians quarterback Deondre Cook completed 14-of-22 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. He threw one interception. Cook rushed for 141 yards on 17 carries, averaging 8.3 yards per carry.

Eagles running back Blake Treisch carried the ball 16 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Owen Adams scored on an 80-yard kickoff return.

Mount Gilead’s Tyler Bland caught 10 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Tim Brower caught three balls for 28 yards and a touchdown. Jonah Barnett had 87 yards rushing on 18 carries.

Colonel Crawford finished with 375 total yards, while the Indians rolled up 411 total yards.

Upcoming schedule

The Eagles begin Northern 10 Athletic Conference play next Friday with a home game against Mohawk. The Warriors (1-0) defeated Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic 37-6 in Week 1.

Mount Gilead plays host to Ridgemont in Week 2. The Golden Gophers (1-0) opened the season with a 43-12 dismantling of Vanlue.

By Andrew Carter

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Reach Carter at 419-468-1117, ext. 2048, or on Twitter @ACGalionSports.