The Jefferson City Jays pushed their opponents around the first two week of the season, outscoring them 121-6.
On Friday, the Jays' opponent pushed back, then the Jays pushed even harder to beat Hickman 48-13 at Adkins Stadium.
The Kewpies entered the game 0-2, having lost by a combined 82-13. But they only trailed Webster Groves 8-0 at halftime in Week 2 before the Statesmen cruised in the second half to win 40-6.
Friday's game between Jefferson City and Hickman was similar, with the Kewpies keeping it close early.
After the Jays went 72 yards in seven plays on their opening drive to take a 7-0 lead, Hickman went 71 yards in 18 plays before kicking a 24-yard field goal.
The Kewpies then forced a three-and-out and drove down the field once again, this time 42 yards in 13 plays for a 28-yard field goal.
With 7:16 left in the first half, Hickman only trailed the Jays 7-6. But the Kewpies didn't score again until there were only 11 seconds remaining in the game, while the Jays scored 41 unanswered points.
For the first time this season, Jefferson City allowed more than 100 yards on the ground. Hickman gained 122 yards rushing, but only averaged 3.1 per attempt.
"We gave up some things defensively, but coach (Cameron) McDaniel's mantra with the defense has been don't let them score," Jays coach Ted LePage said. "They can do whatever they want, but don't let them score."
Andrew Paten, who moved from receiver to quarterback because Deven Crane was ejected last week, ran it 18 times for 31 yards.
Cameron Chick gained 79 yards on 16 carries to lead the Kewpies. Chick left the game early in the second quarter after a hard hit, but returned later in the drive and played the rest of the game.
"I really thought we put some good licks on him," LePage said. "They found a little hole on us at one particular point in time, but after halftime that hole got closed up."
As for the Jays' rushing attack, Rashaun Woods gained at least 15 yards on three of his seven runs. He broke free from several Kewpies on his way to a 30-yard score to put the Jays up 14-6 with 5:35 left in the first half.
"Rashaun is just a fantastic athlete," LePage said. "He fumbled that one early, he got a little frustrated with himself. We talked to him and just said, 'Hey keep running.' He did. He ran hard, he ran physical and that's what we expect out of him."
Woods had a 16-yard run on the fourth play of the game. He fumbled on his next play but the Jays recovered. Woods finished the drive with a 19-yard touchdown catch from Gunnar See for the first points of the game.
"You've got to give it to coach (Lerone) Briggs and the offensive staff putting together a great gameplan," LePage said. "Turned around and executed it very well. I thought our first series was executed as good as we probably have all season."
Jefferson City ran for 150 yards on 20 carries. See went 13-for-17 for 185 yards and four touchdowns. Backup quarterback Devin Roberson completed his lone pass of the game, a 24-yard touchdown to Levi Jobe in the fourth quarter.
Jefferson City has used three primary running backs this season: Woods, Damarion Nelson-Winston and Carson Ridgeway. But Tyler Bise, who joined the team late, ran for 24 yards on four carries. Bise also wrestles and plays baseball for Jefferson City.
"He decided late that he wanted to come out for football," LePage said. "This was the first varsity game he was eligible for. We see some really good things out of him and we're excited about where he's going to go because he can put his foot into the ground and go the other way."
Three of Bise's runs went for 7, 9 and 10 yards. He also made tackles on special teams.
"He's tough as nails," LePage said. "He's just tough and likes to play the game."
Jefferson City (3-0) will need more of that toughness next week when it travels to Springdale, Ark. to play Har-Ber. Game time is 7 p.m.
The Wildcats are 1-0 after defeating Fort Smith Southside 47-0 on Friday night. Har-Ber finished runner-up in Arkansas' largest class last season.
"We're excited about it," LePage said. "My goodness, when you're 3-0 and you're feeling good about yourself, the kids are playing hard, you want to be tested."
Something to clean up before next week's game is penalties. The Jays committed eight Friday night, including four that negated touchdowns.
"We told our players, if they call us, come back and do it again," LePage said. "That's the mentality we've taken."