The Highlander Express keeps on rolling as Bel Air (6-0, 1-0), led by junior quarterback Noah Moreno, junior wideout Christopher Davis, and junior running back Zach Martinez defeated the Hanks Knights (2-4, 0-1) by a score of 41 to 24 before a near capacity crowd at Excalibur Stadium.
The Highlanders took control at the 7:55 mark of the first quarter with a 3 yard touchdown run by Martinez. Minutes later, Davis would find the end zone on a picture perfect 59 yard catch and run. Hanks added a field goal and Martinez scored again on a 3 yard touchdown run with 0:09 remaining in the first half, taking a 24 to 0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Knights drew first blood in the second half on an 80 yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Marcus Porras to junior wideout Jude Blanco. The Highlanders would add a field goal with 7:16 remaining in the third quarter.
Hanks junior wideout Abram Acosta ran 31 yards to the end zone with 5:24 remaining in the third quarter. The Highlanders would answer on the following drive. Senior running back Ricardo Herrera found the end zone on a 58 yard run, giving Bel Air a comfortable 34-14 lead with 5:07 remaining in the third quarter.
The Highlanders kept the ball on the ground in the fourth quarter, keeping the Knights offense on the bench. Bel Air would find the end zone for the last time in the contest on a 4 yard run by senior running back Jacob Holguin.
A late 10 yard touchdown run by Hanks junior running back Ruben Laguna would close out the scoring in the contest.
Moreno was 9 of 19 for 174 yards and one touchdown. Martinez rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. Davis finished with 6 receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Laguna led the Hanks rushing attack with 15 carries for 171 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Marcus Porras was 10 of 24 for 207 yards and a touchdown. Hanks junior wideout Jude Blanco caught 7 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown.
Story by Ryan Adams