HOT SPRINGS - Firing on all cylinders Friday night the Hot Springs Savage Heat pelted the Bears of Lima 74-0.

The Savage Heat were able to get an early first quarter leader scoring four touchdowns in the period. Everything was going right on both sides of the ball.

“We were pretty much able to get our offense game going early,” said Head Coach Jim Lawson. “We got our run game going right away and we just kept it up.”

Not only were the Savage Heat able to run the ball, but quarterback Tanner Hoff was able to make key throws, even when the play did not go according to plan.

Early in the first quarter Hoff was able to connect for a long touchdown pass despite having fumbled the snap.

“Our second or third touchdown we had a broken play, a fumbled snap and Tanner was able to find somebody,” Lawson said. “You know things are going right when that kind of stuff happens.”

Not only did everything click for the Savage Heat offense, but the defense was able to put pressure on the Bears quarterback Gavin Duck, leaving him scrambling around all night.

“They run the pitch-back with the quarterback live so he can run or pass it,” Lawson said. “We had prepped all week for it. Duck is a good player and has some shifty moves and we were able to contain that.”

The defense was able to get after the quarterback quickly and caused a lot of confusion for the opposition. The defense was able to prevent their opponents from entering the end zone for the third straight game and is a testament to the hard work of the players this season.

The swarming controlled havoc of Lawson’s bunch were able to cause turnovers from both interceptions and fumble recoveries leaving little chance for Lima to put numbers on the board.

“I thought the kids played hard,” Lawson said. “We were able to get at it both offensively and defensively.”

The Savage Heat offense looked more like the Loyola Marymount basketball team from the 1980s than a football team. Scoring happened early, and often for the Savage Heat. Big plays by senior Jarod White, senior Jim Holland, junior Nate Grey, freshman Trevor Paro and Hoff made it easy in the second half. Sixty-seven first half points to be exact.

The few fans on the Lima sideline were in awe with the performance, but Lawson has much respect for the Bears.

“I got to hand it to them, coming out with eight players, they did a great job and are a great team,” said Lawson. “They are turn iron-man players, they don’t get a rest.”

Hot Springs players will get a rest this week as they have a bye and an extra week to prepare for the October 18th match-up with Lone Peak at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.