Warriors tame Tigers, win in blowout fashion

BAYARD, NE — It was Bayard's homecoming night, but the Leyton Warriors made themselves at home Friday night. 

The Warriors got off to a hot start, forcing a three-and-out before scoring on their first play from scrimmage via a touchdown pass from Scout Gamble to Justin Ernest. That was just a sign of things to come as Leyton defeated Bayard 69-6. 

Leyton scored four times in the first quarter, with three of those touchdowns coming on plays of at least 35-yards. With a mixture of two-point conversions and extra points, the Warriors lead 29-0 after one. 

Ethan Eckhardt kept the scoring coming for the Warriors in the second quarter. A 14-yard touchdown run and fumble return TD pushed the score to 43-0 with four minutes left in the first half. 

Bayard got on the board in the late stages of the first half with a two-yard run by Trent Marquez. Leyton responded with a long touchdown from Gamble to Mason Reimers to make it 50-6 at halftime. 

Backups played a majority of the second half for Leyton. The team scored three more rushing touchdowns in the second half en route to the 69-6 victory. 

Gamble finished 4-7 for 129 yards through the air. All his completions were touchdowns. He also rushed for 36 yards. 

K.J. Bush lead Leyton on the ground with 128 yards on 12 carries. His night was highlighted by a 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. 

In total, the Warriors scored five rushing touchdowns. Eckhardt had two scores on the ground while Chance Carter and Dawson Juelfs each had one.

Reimers finished with three receptions, all for touchdowns, and 84 yards. 

Ben Sauer complete eight of 21 passes for 77 yards for Bayard. He rushed for 11 yards. Beau Lake led the Tigers ground attack with 74 yards on 12 carries. Marquez led Bayard's receivers with 40 yards on three catches. 

Leyton (3-0) returns home next week to face Hyannis. Bayard (1-2) travels to Perkins County.