Photo and article from Laieke Abebe

After three tough losses to start the season, Wayne Christian came out firing on all cylinders in its conference opener.

The Eagles traveled to Belhaven and dominated Pungo Christian, 58-0 for their first win on the field this season. Wayne Christian was awarded a forfeit win last week which makes their overall record 2-3 and 1-0 in conference play.

“We started the season in a rough spot,” Wayne Christian head coach Luis Miranda said. “The early part of our schedule was difficult, but it’ll help us for conference play going forward. We knew that we had to set the tone early in this game and show that we’ve got talent and speed at every position.”

Wayne Christian was on its front foot early and often as sophomore Jylon Council opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown. Junior Duke Williams added another score on a pick-six, and the Eagles recovered the ensuing onside kick.

One play later, Council was back in the end zone this time on a 62-yard scamper, and the Eagles were quickly up 22-0. Then, Wayne Christian turned to Shiquan Etheridge in the second quarter.

The junior had a pair of touchdowns. Etheridge had a 94-yard rushing touchdown, and he caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Camden Shuster.

Shuster would also throw a touchdown pass to Williams which summoned the running clock late in the first half.

Wayne Christian’s defense forced several turnovers, while the Eagles’ offense scored on all but one possession. DJ Gurley and Caleb Bass each had rushing touchdowns in the second half to provide the final scoring margin.

Wayne Christian will face the defending Division II eight-man state champions Bethel Christian on Friday. It’s a big matchup for the Eagles, who are looking to make a state title run now that the Eagles are eligible to compete in the state playoffs this season.