New Heights Christian Academy rolled through Rich Hill 82-24 to open the 2024 season.
The Cougars took a 30-16 lead into the second period before outscoring the Tigers 46-0 in the second and third quarters to pull away for the season-opening win.
"It was a good first game for us," NHCA coach John Lucas said to Joplin Sports Hub. "We did some good things. The fundamentals have improved. We have more work to do. We were very fortunate in the second quarter to get a couple of turnovers and score on our possessions. With those quick turnovers, we were able to widen the score pretty quickly, and that's a trait of 8-man football."
Quarterback Logan Decker led NHCA with 142 passing yards, 118 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns.
Decker rushed for two touchdowns in the opening stanza, including a 47-yard gallop. He also added a 53-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Hipple, who led the team with 117 receiving yards.
Decker got in on the scoring on the defensive end as well in the second quarter, taking back an interception to the house for a 40-yard pick-6.
Decker threw for three more touchdowns on offense before halftime after finding Cannon Miller for two scores (30 yards and 18 yards) with a 21-yard connection for a TD to Levi Durling and finished his day with a 43-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Durling added a touchdown run from 7 yards out late in the third quarter and Miller found Jake Sullivan for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to wrap the scoring for the Cougars.
College Heights hits the road for the first time this season with a matchup at Osceola on Week 2.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kyle Kennedy