The Banner Staff
The Duncan Banner
WALTERS —
Empire head coach Tony Roberts couldn’t script a better start to the 2010 season.
Not only did Michael McKinley take the opening kickoff 75 yards to the house, but the Bulldogs rode into Walters and pulled away with a 34-16 win.
“You want to have positive things happen and (Friday night) was about as positive as it could get for Empire,” Roberts said. “We didn’t have a lot of mistakes, just a few penalties, but the thing I was most impressed with was we didn’t have any turnovers offensively.”
McKinley’s return set the tone for the Bulldogs. Empire took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter when fullback Geoff Jones scampered into the end zone from four yards out.
On a later drive, Empire was forced to punt and the snap sailed over the punter’s head into the end zone for a safety.
McKinley scored the only touchdown in the third quarter with a one-yard run. Jones had two big runs in the fourth quarter to ice the game despite Walters scoring twice late. Jones’ touchdown runs were of 35 and 44 yards.
“I said last week that we wanted to work on our running game,” said Roberts. “We got into the groove of running the football. Our line was blocking well and controlled the line of scrimmage. If you don’t have to throw the ball, you don’t.
“I was glad to see Geoff be a contributor on offense. (Friday night) was his moment. He just plays hard all the time and I was really glad to see him play like he did.”
Jones finished with 98 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries. McKinley had 19 carries for 121 yards and a rushing touchdown to go along with his kickoff return.
Quarterback Tanner Shorter completed 4-of-5 passes for 45 yards and had 17 carries for 45 yards.
Empire improved to 1-0 and will be back in action Friday for its home opener against Maysville.
