Kansas high school football powerhouse Smith Center hung a national-record 72 points on Plainville in the first quarter in 2008. 

The Redmen would go on to win one of several state championships, even sparking a book about their record-setting season, “Our Boys.”   

The Trojans didn’t quite score 72 points in the first quarter, but they got close in the first half Friday night against the visiting Bluestem in the final regular season home game. 

The 71-0 victory sets the school record for most points scored in one half, pushing Hillsboro to 2-0 in district play and 5-2 on the year. 

Friday’s regular season finale at second-ranked Olpe will determine the district title. 

It didn’t take long to see why the Lions, once the record holder for the state’s longest losing streak, struggle on a yearly basis, not just trying to win, but compete, too. 

The Trojans erupted fast, racing to a 34-0 lead after the first quarter, leading Hillsboro coach Demetrius Cox to turn to his reserves early, and ease off on the scoring. 

Hillsboro got it done both on the ground and through the air, rolling up 487 total yards with a season-high 422 coming on the ground from nine carriers. 

Matthew Potucek had a hand in five touchdowns, carrying seven times for a game-high 156 yards for two TDs, while completing 5-for-7 passes for 65 yards and three more scores. 

Four of Potucek’s five touchdowns came in the first quarter alone, and Jamari Harris, back after being sidelined by injuries, added the other, to put the game away by the start of the second quarter. 

Caleb Potucek carried 8 times for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns, his seven-yarder fueling the 37-point second quarter.

Dillon Boldt hauled in three catches for a team-high 26 yards and two scores, and Jaxxon Hanschu added another touchdown. 

Bluestem couldn’t get out of its own way, turning the ball over five times, one fumble leading to a 40-yard return for a touchdown by Frank Wichert, along with giving up a safety for a 64-0 lead. 

Perhaps the best highlight the Lions enjoyed was going 3-for-4 on fourth down conversions, finishing with a woeful 107 total yards and a running clock the second half. 

Nate Hein made for the entirety, plunging in for a one-yard score and the 71-0 final after Boldt’s PAT kick. 

Friday’s contest at Olpe is set for 7 p.m.