The Emporia High defense made a statement in the season opener Friday night, scoring three touchdowns as the Spartans dominated Wichita North 67-0 at Wichita Northwest High School.
Emporia’s defense set the tone from the opening whistle, scoring touchdowns on the Spartans’ first two defensive possessions.
Noah Rodecap got things started with a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter. The Spartans converted the two-point try to take an 8-0 lead.
On Wichita North’s next possession, Talon Kirk recovered a fumble and raced 30 yards for another defensive touchdown. Emporia again converted the two-point attempt, extending the lead to 16-0.
The Spartans’ offense soon found its rhythm. Cael Claibourn rushed for a 15-yard touchdown and connected with Kirk on a 79-yard touchdown pass, helping Emporia build a commanding 46-0 lead by halftime.
Claibourn added another rushing touchdown in the second half, while Rodecap picked off a second pass and returned it to the end zone for his second defensive touchdown of the night.
Emporia opened the season 1-0 with the shutout victory. The Spartans return home next Friday to host Wichita West.
