Huron football played its third game of the season and its first of the rivalry tour of Ann Arbor. The Rats completely dominated all facets of this game, drubbing Pioneer on the road 57-0 to improve their record to 1-2. This is Huron’s third straight win over Pioneer, outscoring their rivals 103-8 during that span.

-All three units showed up for Huron, most notably special teams, scoring two TDs
Week three started off with a bang for the Rats, as sophomore Kameron Flowers took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. Then early in the third quarter, Huron’s punt team blocked the Pioneer kick and returned it for a touchdown. For these two plays alone, this is the best special teams performance not only of the season so far, but most likely for the rest of the season. The two touchdowns were coupled by no missed extra points for senior kicker and Michigan commit Adam Samaha, as well as multiple punts inside the 10 yard line. The defense was also nothing short of spectacular, scoring two touchdowns of their own as well as a safety, and shutting out the Pioneer offense. Senior Safety Jamil Thomas forced a fumble that ended up being a scoop and score touchdown and sophomore Ladanian Woods picked off an overthrown Pioneer pass and returned that for six. Because the defense was so stought, Huron’s offense really wasn’t on the field for very long. But when they were, they took advantage. The running game was non-existent, but there was no need for it. Without question, this is the best the Rat’s passing game has looked this year. Junior quarterback Andrew Harding looked comfortable throwing the ball for a second week in a row, tallying four passing touchdowns, making it six in two games. This was an absolutely magnificent performance from Huron, putting the two straight losses to start the season firmly in the rear view mirror.

-Receiver Kameron Flowers continues his dominance from last week, scoring three TDs of his own
After scoring two touchdowns last week against Saline, Kameron Flowers came back with an even better showing against Pioneer. His kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game was absolutely electric. Flowers followed that up with two long receiving touchdowns to up his total to five in two games. The sophomore wideout scored one 45 yard touchdown on a crossing route over the middle and another off a slant route where he showed off his breakaway speed to take it 60 yard to the house. Flowers isn’t the biggest receiver by any means but he makes up for it with his combination of elite route running and game-breaking speed. He can run every route with his quick footwork. Whether it’s a slant over the middle, fly route up the sideline or any short route combination. He can go up and get a jump ball on a fade–as he showed last week–or take a short pass 70 yards for six. Giving him kick-returning duties was a brilliant decision from Coach Mack, and he should keep the role for the rest of the season. Maybe the most exciting part is the fact that Flowers is only a sophomore. Look for him to get more targets in the coming weeks and don’t be surprised if he continues to add to his touchdown total.

-Sadly, Huron can’t play Pioneer every week
This game was simply fantastic for everyone involved. From the team to the student section, it was a great environment for a road game. And it always is when you can go to a rival’s house and nearly put up 60 points. Unfortunately, the Rats can’t play Pioneer and their horrid program every week. It was great for the team to pick up their first win of the season and it being against a rival, but a short memory is still needed even after a blowout win. The only possible critique is yet again penalties. After seemingly clearing up the penalties last week, they were back in full force against Pioneer, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. Multiple chunk plays were wiped out due to holding and personal foul penalties. And although it didn’t matter for this game, penalties could continue to be an issue as the Rats get deeper into conference play. The three weeks includes games against Bedford and Dexter, games Huron won last year by a combined eight points. Those will assuredly be close games, and penalties could end up being a decisive factor if they aren’t cleaned up.

Huron will face Bedford at home next Friday the 16th. Bedford has a 2-1 record and is coming off a 27-6 loss at the hands of Dexter. The Rats beat the Kicking Mules by one point last year, and I would expect a similar close contest this time around.