The Kirkwood Pioneers made their statement on the first drive of the game, going 80 yards in five plays for a touchdown. That's how the night would continue for the Pioneers.
The Jefferson City Jays went three-and-out on their opening drive. That's how the night would continue for the Jays.
"Didn't block, didn't tackle, didn't cover, couldn't snap," Jays coach Terry Walker said following a 37-0 loss Friday at Adkins Stadium. "I think that pretty much sums it up."
It didn't take long for desperation to set in for Jefferson City. Down 14-0 in the second quarter, Devin Roberson saw Maleek Jackson open in the middle of the field. The pass went too far on fourth down to turn the ball over on downs, giving Kirkwood the ball five yards from the end zone.
"We give the kids the autonomy to do that, but quite honestly in that situation, that's not a good play," Walker said.
The Pioneers made the Jays pay as quarterback Cooper Wise ran it in for the score. Jefferson City did block the PAT with the help of a mishandled hold to keep it 20-0 with 4:10 left before halftime.
After a Jefferson City punt, Kirkwood went 51 yards for another score. Jairus Maclin got open on a post route for a 29-yard score to cap off the five-play drive. The score was 27-0 at halftime.
Jefferson City opened the second half with a power running game, but Prince Benson was held to three yards on two carries and pressure on Roberson on third down led to an incomplete pass. The Jays punted for the sixth time and finished with eight punts.
"When you don't score any points or even threaten the opposing team defensively, I don't know if you can say anyone played well offensively," Walker said.
Benson relieved Jackson at running back in the second half because of an injury. The pair combined to run for 14 yards on 11 carries.
Roberson was 9-of-17 for 80 yards passing.
The Pioneers were able to stay balanced on offense, running it 26 times and passing it 26 times. Wise went 17-of-24 for 271 yards and two touchdowns, including a 32-yard toss to Maurice Massey, who was left open on the left side of the field.
Kirkwood scored its other three touchdowns on the ground and ended up with 130 yards rushing.
Next week, Jefferson City (0-1) will host the Hannibal Pirates, who fell 35-34 to Helias on Friday at home.