Emporia High football is off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2019 after rolling past Wichita West 58-20 Friday night at Welch Stadium.
The Black and Red wasted little time setting the tone.
Emporia marched 73 yards on seven plays on its opening possession, with Ben Collins finishing the drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown. The two-point conversion was successful, giving EHS an 8-0 lead.
Wichita West answered immediately, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 8-6.
The Spartans responded with another big play, as Cael Claiborn connected with Jerald Clifton on a 15-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 16-6.
The EHS defense then got into the scoring column. Oliver Kline intercepted a pass and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown, giving the Black and Red their fourth defensive score of the season.
Emporia continued to control the game throughout the remainder of the first half, taking a 32-14 advantage into halftime.
The Spartans scored 20 unanswered points to turn the game into a rout, building a 58-14 lead before Wichita West added a late score.
Claiborn led the way offensively, accounting for five touchdowns on the night with three passing scores and two rushing touchdowns.
Collins was also a major factor on the ground, piling up 171 rushing yards.
With the 58-20 victory, Emporia High improves to 2-0 on the season and has matched its best start in seven years.
EHS will look to make it three straight wins when they travel to Labette County next Friday.
