By CONAN GLICKMAN

Staff writer

Coach Devin Metzinger’s Hillsboro Trojans continued their 2016 campaign Friday night at Joel Wiens Stadium against the Hoisington Cardinals, ranked No. 7 in the state, and were shut out 41-0.

While the Cardinals did not score their first touchdown until late in the first quarter, a 7 yard run by quarterback Tyler Specht, they scored 21 more points in the second quarter, including two more touchdown runs from Specht, and led 28-0 going into halftime.

Hoisington controlled the tempo of the game throughout, posting 376 total yards, 351 of those rushing yards. Using their option-style rushing attack coupled with punishing physical play, the Cardinals put together long scoring drives that wore down the Hillsboro defense.

The Cardinal’s long offensive drives not only wore down the Trojan defense; but it seemed to take a toll on the Hillsboro offense. The Trojans were unable to mount any sustained drive during the game. The running game, which had been so successful in their last two games in moving the ball and setting up the pass, failed to get in gear at any time.

In all, the Trojans offense managed just 75 total yards, with 27 yards in the air and 48 on the ground. Jorge Hanschu led Trojan running backs with 25 rushing yards.

The loss dropped the Trojans to 1-2 with 2-1 Smoky Valley coming up this Friday night.