Layne Hatcher needed less than two minutes to become the state's all-time leading passer. Pulaski Academy didn't need much longer to secure its 55th consecutive conference victory.
Hatcher completed 22 of 25 passes for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns -- all in the first half -- in a 48-8 5A-Central victory over Mills on Thursday night at Mills Stadium.
The three-time defending Class 5A champion Bruins (10-0, 7-0 5A-Central) scored touchdowns on their first five possessions to lead 41-0 at halftime.
Hatcher, a 6-2, 201-pound senior, needed only 46 yards to surpass Stefan Loucks, who threw for 13,701 yards in 2003-2006 at Pulaski Academy.
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Hatcher broke the record on his second completion -- an 8-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver John David White with 10:31 remaining in the first quarter.
Hatcher, unofficially, has 13,904 passing yards in four seasons.
"What he's done, the longevity of not getting hurt, taking care of his body ... but to perform at a high level for that long is what it takes to break those career records," Pulaski Academy Coach Kevin Kelley said. "He's been magnificent, and it's been fun to watch him."
After throwing touchdown passes on Pulaski Academy's next four possessions to stretch his career total to 170, Hatcher will likely set another state record next week.
Rhett Lashlee threw 171 touchdown passes at Shiloh Christian in 1999-2001.
Pulaski Academy applied the Arkansas Activities Association's sportsmanship rule on the final play of the first half when senior defensive end Isiah Woods III returned a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown.
After outgaining Mills (2-8, 1-6) 354-41 in total yardage in the first half, Kelley pulled his offensive starters after one play in the third quarter.
Hatcher also threw touchdown passes of 17 and 2 yards to senior wide receiver Tra Johnson, 6 yards to senior wide receiver Brett Lynch and 7 yards to senior wide receiver Hayden Cobb.
"Obviously, football is 11 men on the field," Kelley said following his 175th career victory. "It's defense getting the ball back. It's offense. But, don't make any mistake about it. Layne worked his rear end off for four years, as hard as anybody that we've ever had in our program. He has to pull the trigger. Has to make quick decisions."
Pulaski Academy will open postseason next week at home against the No. 4 seed from the 5A-East.
Sports on 11/03/2017