HAYS – The Smith Center Redmen used a stifling defense and their signature rushing attack to defeat the TMP-Marian Monarchs 45-0 Friday at Lewis Field in Hays.

The top ranked Redmen opened the game with a seven play, 63 yard drive that was capped off by a 25 yard Ethan Peterson touchdown. Peterson finished with 106 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.

TMP’s first offense possession failed to get going inside their own 20 and a miss handled snap on a punt led to a Smith Center safety giving the Redmen a 9-0 lead.

Smith Center built a 30-0 halftime lead and added two third quarter touchdowns to take a 45-0 lead. With the running clock the Redmen went on to win by that score.

Peterson and Colby Benoit finished with two rushing touchdowns each for Smith Center.

David Bowen postgame interview

The Redmen outgained the Monarchs 306 to 12 total yards of offense.

Smith Center improved to 1-0 on the season and will travel to Norton next Friday night.

The TMP Monarchs are 0-1 and will host Ellis next week.