The Berne Union Rockets football team picked up a dominant win on Friday night, defeating the Lakewood Lancers 35-13 behind a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive play.

The Rockets wasted no time setting the tone, marching down the field on their opening possession with tough runs before sophomore quarterback Carson Kiger connected with junior Ashton O’Rourke for a 14-yard touchdown strike. At the end of the first quarter, Berne Union held a 7-0 advantage.

The Rockets extended their lead in the second quarter as Kiger delivered a 9-yard touchdown pass to junior James Hocking, who made a great grab in the back of the end zone. Later in the quarter, Kiger showcased his legs, breaking free for an 8-yard rushing score that gave Berne Union a 21-0 cushion at the half.

The third quarter turned into a defensive battle, but the Rockets managed to break through on special teams when O’Rourke electrified the crowd with a 76-yard punt return touchdown, pushing the lead to 28-0. In the fourth quarter, senior Mayson Walton powered his way into the end zone from 8 yards out to make it 35-0.

Lakewood refused to go away quietly, finding the end zone twice late in the game with short touchdown runs of 5 and 9 yards, but the Rockets held firm to secure the 35-13 victory.

Berne Union piled up 391 yards of total offense, including an impressive 293 yards on the ground. Kiger led the way, completing 7 of 14 passes for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns while also rushing for a team-high 137 yards and a score. Walton added 77 rushing yards and a touchdown, while O’Rourke tallied 42 receiving yards on 2 catches to go with his punt return touchdown. Hocking chipped in 38 yards on 3 receptions with a score.

The win moves the Rockets to 2-1 on the season. They’ll open up Mid-State League play next Friday, September 12, with a big matchup against undefeated Miller High School.