SULLIVAN — Hillsdale’s quest to return to the state championship game got off to a flying, and running, start on Friday night in Sullivan.
The Falcons dominated Black River to the tune of a 42-14 score in a non-conference season opener.
Two of Hillsdale’s biggest guns came out firing from the start.
Running back Owen Sloan ripped off 133 yards on 26 carries and scored three touchdowns. Junior quarterback Kael Lewis completed 9-of-15 passes for 170 yards and a TD. He also ran for a pair of scores.
Sloan bulled in for a 4-yard touchdown and Lewis added a 1-yard plunge for a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Lewis again scored from a yard away and Sloan posted TD bolts of 15 and 33 yards for a 35-0 halftime bulge.
The second half began with a running clock, and Lewis tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Davis Radcliffe to make it 42-0 midway through the third period.
The Pirates broke through when Dominic Bell hit Zane Burgard on a 25-yard aerial to cut the deficit to 42-7 heading to the fourth quarter. Burgard led his team with 101 yards receiving.
Dozier Hendershot’s 2-yard TD plunge finished the scoring.
Hillsdale dominated the statistics, outgaining Black River in rushing (174-72), passing (170-117), total offense (344-189) and first downs (13-6).
The Falcons will host Lucas next week, while Northwestern visits Black River.
(Photos by Katie Ellington Serrao)
