SPRINGDALE -- It's taken Springdale just four weeks to surpass its victory total from a season ago.
[HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD: Full results + recaps, photos and more]
Defensive improvements helped, but quarterback Layne Hutchins and Kyler Williams, who connected three times for touchdowns in the Bulldogs' 42-21 conference opening victory over Rogers Heritage, also get some credit.
Williams, who had nine catches last week, caught 10 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns this week against the War Eagles.
"Kyler is Kyler," Springdale Coach Zak Clark said. "It didn't surprise me. We're trying to move him around, but he's the best around for a reason."
"We just kind of took what the defense gave us," Williams said. "They were kind of playing me 1-on-1, and [Hutchins] put the ball on the money. All I've got to do is run a good route. When we're on our A-game I don't think anybody can stop us."
Hutchins found Williams for touchdowns twice in the first half and Alex Thompson once as Springdale (3-1, 1-0 7A-West) built a 28-7 halftime lead. But in the closing minutes of the game, the two put the finishing touches on the victory.
The junior quarterback found Williams, who evaded Heritage defenders and ran 68 yards for the final score. Hutchins finished 12 of 19 for 321 yards and four touchdowns.
"He was open," Hutchins said with a grin. "I missed some passes, but luckily he stepped up and had some big catches. There's a lot more we can be doing [as a team], but a win is a win. We're a lot better than what we've been."
Springdale included a new wrinkle in its running game for Heritage (0-4, 0-1), rushing for 160 yards, led by Erick Mendez's 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Heritage took its first lead of the season on its opening possession, capping the 84-yard drive with a Dylan Qualls scoring on a 7-yard run. Qualls led the War Eagles with 183 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The War Eagles were slowed by four turnovers, three in the second quarter. Springdale's Jayden Minchew and Stone Ben each picked off Trey Kitterman passes in the first half, which the Bulldogs turned into points.
Overall, Clark was pleased with the effort and fight his team showed to begin league play.
"This week was kind of about challenging our toughness and getting back to being physical," Clark said. "The next step for us is we've got to learn to close it out."
The Bulldogs take on crosstown rival Springdale Har-Ber at Wildcat Stadium next week.
Sports on 09/24/2016