One quarter made the difference in the season opener for the Emporia High football team.
After leading 14-6 heading into the second quarter, Pittsburg scored 40 straight points in the second and never looked back in a 54-28 victory over the Spartans Friday at Welch Stadium.
Pittsburg took an early 6-0 lead before Emporia High scored 14 consecutive points, an 8-yard touchdown reception by Rylan Crowell from Sheldon Stewart. Stewart then found Cooper Rech for a 1-yard score to make it 14-6.
Once the second quarter started, Pittsburg went on its run and led 46-14 at halftime. The Purple Dragons led 54-14 after three before Emporia High got back on the board. Crowell caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Stewart. Rech reeled in his second touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 21-yard pass from Stewart.
Stewart finished the night with 190 yards passing while Rech had 91 yards on 12 catches.
Emporia High travels to Liberal next Friday night. Liberal defeated Holcomb, 23-17 in its season opener.
