DESHLER, NE — The Sterling Jets were in control from the start and rolled to a 57-8 win over Deshler on Thursday night.

The #3 Jets (4-0) used defense to set the tone. Carson McAuliffe recovered a Deshler (0-4) fumble on the Dragons’ opening drive and took it in five yards for the opening score. Sterling’s defense forced a three and out, a turnover on downs and a safety on Deshler’s remaining first quarter drives.

Offensively, the Jets took advantage of good field position to build a comfortable lead. Trent Perry scored on a one-yard run and a 23-yard run to build a 22-0 lead through one quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Wyatt Rathe. The sophomore ripped off touchdown runs of 32 and 70 yards to add to the Jets’ advantage. Sterling compiled 152 rushing yards in the first half.

Deshler put together a couple of quality drives in the second quarter but were thwarted by a blocked field goal and dropped passes. The Dragons got their lone touchdown on an explosive play in the third quarter. Quarterback Gavin Nash found Cameron Harding down the right sideline for a 52-yard scoring strike.

Sterling found success through the air in the second half. Garrett Hier threw 34-yard touchdown passes to Tanner McDonald and McAuliffe to seal the win.

Next up for Sterling is a home game against Dorchester. Deshler travels to play Pawnee City next week.

Programming note: Sterling’s 10/22 game against Meridian will be broadcast on Ol’ Red 99-5.