KADEN DEAN RUNS THE BALL for South Hamilton as Garrett Johnson blocks on Friday in Jewell. (DFJ photo by Claire Hewitt)

JEWELL — The South Hamilton football team found out first-hand why Saint Ansgar is considered a serious contender this year.

The Saints scored 46 points in the first quarter on their way to a 59-14 victory over the Hawks here on Friday night.

Wyatt Gelder and Titus Herrick both had rushing touchdowns to lead South Hamilton (0-1 overall). Gelder ran for 89 yards on nine carries while Herrick added 46 on 14 with a two-point conversion.

As a squad, the Hawks rushed for 172 yards, averaging just over five per carry.

Saint Ansgar (1-0) returns all-stater Korben Michels, who rushed for 85 yards and three touchdowns on four attempts. Connor Mullenbach, Keagan Zacharias and Kane Dieterich each added TDs.

The Saints had 219 yards rushing and 180 passing. Porter Schwiesow threw two TD passes and Gavin Squier had one.

“We went up against a really good, ranked St. Ansgar team,” SH head coach Paul Skartvedt said. “We had some good play from guys who had to play out of position.

“Titus Herrick played his first snaps at running back, and he has only played in the line for the last three years. We got some experience for young kids who haven’t played varsity before that I think will help in the future.

Up next for South Hamilton will be Panorama on the road this Friday night.

“We have a tough game (this) week against Panorama,” Skartvedt said. “We look forward to playing them.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Panorama High School Stadium.