WARDSVILLE - The Blair Oaks Falcons had a strong start and a strong finish offensively to Friday's season opener against the Kirksville Tigers. The middle, however, left a lot to be desired.
While the offense was stagnant during that stretch, the Falcons' defense took control, forcing seven Kirksville turnovers in a 34-0 victory.
Blair Oaks needed just five plays to score its first touchdown, a 52-yard run by Jake Van Ronzelen, less than four minutes into the game. Cody Alexander returned a punt 62 yards for another touchdown in the first quarter, extending the lead to 14-0.
For the rest of the half, the Falcons struggled to advance the ball down the field.
"Part of me attributes that to our inexperience," Falcons coach Terry Walker said. "We got up by a quick 14 and the kids probably let down a little bit, mentally and physically."
With sophomore quarterback Nolan Hair making his first start, the Falcons switched to the wishbone formation in the third quarter. That adjustment rejuvenated the offense.
Hair scored on a 2-yard keeper late in the third quarter and then completed two touchdown passes, an 8-yard strike to Van Ronzelen and a 3-yard pass across the middle to Braydan Pritchett.
"I've always kind of liked the ability to do two or three different things offensively," Walker said. "(The wishbone) kind of saved us this evening."
Alexander and Van Ronzelen each scored a 2-point conversion for the Falcons.
Blair Oaks finished with 319 yards of total offense, while the defense held the Tigers' offense to just 124 yards.
Kirksville reached the red zone one time - and had a touchdown called back as a result of a holding penalty - but Falcons defensive end Paul Karsten recovered a fumble to halt the drive.
Justin Cobb had a pair of fumble recoveries for Blair Oaks in the first quarter.
Play was stopped for 15 minutes during the final minute of the third quarter. Kirksville's Braden Smith suffered a neck injury trying to stop Van Ronzelen on a 2-point conversion attempt. He was carted off the field on a stretcher and was taken to a hospital by ambulance.
Blair Oaks, ranked No. 3 in Class 3, will go on the road to play at Oak Grove, ranked No. 5, next Friday.