BELLEVILLE — The Marion Wildcats shook off a slow start and wound up pounding defending 1A State Champion Althoff 56-24.
Trailing 10-0 in the first quarter, the Wildcats proceeded to score on eight of their next nine possessions–six of those ending with Callahan Roper touchdown passes.
Roper finished 22-35 for 374 yards and six scores, spreading the wealth as four different receivers caught touchdown passes. Sam Adkins and Blake Winters hauled in two apiece while Logan Hoffman and Junious Thomas also tallied scoring grabs. Thomas finished with his second straight 100-yard receiving game with 125 yards.
Winters added 78 yards rushing and another TD as well as an interception on defense. Marcus Hazell ran for 155 yards and also scored a touchdown.
The Wildcats improve to 3-1. They will return home next week for a South Seven showdown with Cahokia.
The Crusaders fall to 2-2. They will travel to Mt. Vernon next week.
