Cardinal whips Wayne

CORYDON - The Cardinal defense showed out for the third week in a row on Friday night at Wayne Community High School. The Comet defense scored as many points as it gave up and suffocated the Falcons 35-8 for Cardinal's second win of the season.

Cardinal was short-handed without starting quarterback Maddux Jones, but junior Blaine Bryant stepped up and delivered a big play right away, hitting Landon Becker on a 39-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. Griffin Greiner had a two-yard rushing touchdown in the opening period as well, and it was 13-0.

The score stayed 13-0 until the third quarter when the Comets struck with another long pass. This time it was Griffin Greiner hauling in a touchdown, this time a 54-yard score. The two-point conversion failed, but it was 19-0.

The Comet defense scored a touchdown of their own before Wayne's offense put up any points. Ian Liles scored a defensive touchdown on a fumble return to bring the lead to 25-0. Wayne would score before the third quarter ended but Cardinal still held a comfortable 25-8 advantage.

Cardinal's defense would create points again in the fourth quarter. This time Dylan Telfer broke through and forced a safety, stretching the lead to 27-8.

Ian Liles finished the night off with a seven-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion.

Bryant finished the night 13-for-21 for 231 yards and two scores. He also led the rushing offense with 52 yards. Greiner and Liles each ran for 51 yards and a score.

Greiner had seven catches on the night for 116 yards and a touchdown. Becker ended the game with four catches for 86 yards and a score, and Christian Bowman caught two passes for 29 yards.

Keegan Atkinson's six tackles led the Comet defense. Liles had 5.5 tackles, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown, and Bryant picked off one pass.

Cardinal is now 2-1. They'll head north to play Pekin this week.