For many teams, a 42-point victory would be a major moment in the season.
For Chandler Hamilton, though, it was just an improvement.
The No. 2 Huskies scored 35 first-half points and piled up 415 total yards in a 49-7 rout of Paradise Valley on Friday in a 5A nonconference game at Hamilton.
“We played better, better than the first game,” said Hamilton coach Steve Belles. “The kids played hard.”
After one play, it looked like the Huskies (2-0) might score on every series, as Brad Gruner hit Trey Peacock in stride for a 59-yard touchdown. Gruner, in fact, completed his first three passes for 84 yards, but then completed just one of his next 12 attempts.
A combination of Husky defense and Paradise Valley (0-2) blunders, however, gave Hamilton plenty of offensive opportunities. Three interceptions — two by Tanner Chitwood — and a botched punt led to 21 of Hamilton’s first-half points.
Gruner, who was relieved for one first-half series by Justin Peters, completed six of his final seven passes of the first half and finished 12-for-25 for 190 yards and three touchdowns.
“I don’t have to say anything to Bradley. He’s harder on himself than I could ever be,” Belles said. “We’ve just got to be more consistent. People are open, we’ve just got to play catch.”
Charles Hubbard led Paradise Valley with 90 yards, including 34 on the Trojans' first offensive play.
Michael Williams’ 2-yard dive in the fourth allowed Paradise Valley to avert the shutout.
“The kids played until the end,” said Trojans coach Donnie Yantis. “The kids played hard and I’m proud of them.”
