QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits turned in a dominating performance at the Homecoming game, defeating the Medical Lake Cardinals 43-0 on Friday.

The Jacks were stopped in the first quarter, but scored three times in the second quarter and once in the third to take a commanding lead.

Talking to the team after the game, Quincy coaches pointed out the Jacks will have a chance at the Caribou Trail League title this Friday in Cashmere. Quincy won its first CTL game in at least three years earlier this season.

Coach Russ Elliott said the team has benefited from its players with experience.

“We’ve gotten great leadership this year from our seniors, and it’s just made a huge difference,” Elliott said. “They’ve just been awesome. They’ve been working really hard, and just showing how to do it, raising our level of intensity. And the guys are following them.”

The Quincy defense shut down Medical Lake, with the Cardinals rarely crossing midfield.

“The defense was great,” Elliott said. “It has been all year. I think this was probably one of our better performances today. We were looking for a shutout, and the guys stepped up.”

Quincy was on the move as the first quarter ended, and senior running back Jayden Richards scored on a six-yard run to give the Jacks a 7-0 lead with 10:20 left in the second quarter. Sophomore receiver Pierce Bierlink caught a 12-yard pass from senior quarterback Ethan Gregg to give Quincy a 14-0 lead with 1:57 left in the second quarter.

Richards ran 55 yards down the sideline for his second touchdown with 1:02 left in the second quarter. Quincy scored a two-point conversion on a busted play to take a 22-0 lead at the half.

“One of our main running backs was out, so Jayden ran really hard,” Elliott said.

It took a series or so for Quincy to figure out how to block the Medical Lake defense, Elliott said.

“It was really good to see the adjustments that he made,” the coach said.

Richards said the Jacks’ 5-3 record reflects a group that’s playing together.

“I think it’s our team chemistry. We started to bond more this year; we’re starting to bond together more as a team. The guys trust each other. I put my trust in them to get their blocks, and we all play hard.”

Elliott also credited the offensive play of junior Jaxon Ferguson, a regular on defense but who was filling in at running back.

“Jaxson played well the whole game,” Elliott said.

The Jacks will play Cashmere at 7 p.m. Friday in Cashmere, and a game to possibly qualify for the state playoffs the following week.

“We’re playing for a league title next week,” Elliott said. “We’ve never even won a league game the last two years — whatever — four years. And we’re having a meaningful game the next week. The kids are working really hard; they deserve it. I’m glad they’re in that position.”

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].