Huskies erupt early, blank Benton Central 61–0
Hamilton Heights scores 55 first-half points as big plays and takeaways overwhelm Bison
Staff Report
ARCADIA — Hamilton Heights wasted little time taking control Friday night, turning an explosive first quarter into a commanding halftime lead and a 61–0 victory over Benton Central in an Indiananhigh school football matchup.
The Huskies scored 28 points in the opening period and added 27 in the second, building a 55–0 advantage before halftime along with a running clock to start the third quarter. The nonconference victory lifted Hamilton Heights to 4–3, while Benton Central fell to 0–7.
Big plays through the air supplied the early spark. Kase Powell caught a long touchdown pass to open the scoring, giving the Huskies a 7–0 lead and setting the tone for a night in which Benton Central struggled to contain Hamilton Heights’ receivers.
The defense quickly contributed an interception, and AJ Flanagan added a short rushing touchdown as the lead grew to 14–0.
Hamilton Heights continued to capitalize on its opportunities. After a Benton Central punt, Jackson Mikesell caught a touchdown pass to extend the advantage. A recovered Bison fumble gave the Huskies another possession in Benton Central territory, and Mikesell followed with his second touchdown reception of the quarter.
By the end of the first period, Hamilton Heights had scored four touchdowns and held a 28–0 lead.
The second quarter brought little relief for the Bison.
Grady Steiner caught a touchdown pass to make it 34–0. After another Benton Central punt, Powell supplied his second scoring reception, helping push the margin to 41–0.
The Huskies’ defense then recovered another fumble deep in Bison territory. Hamilton Heights converted that opportunity into another passing touchdown and added one more scoring pass before the break.
An interception late in the half ended another Benton Central possession, completing a first half in which the Huskies repeatedly paired defensive takeaways with offensive production.
At 55–0, Hamilton Heights had put the outcome firmly in hand.
The scoring pace slowed after halftime. Neither team scored in the third quarter, with Benton Central holding the Huskies off the scoreboard for the first time while still searching for an offensive breakthrough of its own.
Hamilton Heights finished the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 76-yard touchdown run. The posted statistics credit freshman Jack Butor with that score, part of an 88-yard rushing performance on nine carries.
The Huskies’ defense completed the shutout, keeping the Bison scoreless through all four quarters.
Powell finished with two catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns, giving Hamilton Heights its biggest receiving performance. Mikesell added two receptions for 52 yards and two scores.
Flanagan carried nine times for 84 yards and a touchdown, helping the Huskies finish with 220 rushing yards. Butor and Flanagan combined for 172 yards on 18 attempts.
Hamilton Heights’ posted totals showed 475 yards of offense, including 255 through the air. Lucas Whitaker was credited with 200 passing yards, while Steiner added 55.
Scoring by quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton Central | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hamilton Heights | 28 | 27 | 0 | 6 | 61 |
