By Chad Saleska
Correspondent
GARNER — Garner quarterback B.G. Howell had a career night, all in the first quarter, as the Trojans (2-1) drubbed Durham Riverside (0-2) 68-31.
“I’ve never had a game like that,” said Howell, who finished the night 10 of 15 for 295 yards and five touchdowns.
“This is just my third start and for it to all come together like this is just great.”
Visiting Garner from the first time since the 2006 state semifinals, Riverside had hoped for a similar result that landed the Pirates in the state final.
Garner, however, wasted little time in getting revenge ... and plenty of it.
Howell was 7 of 9 for 204 yards with four touchdowns and a touchdown in the first quarter.
He hit Ian Hunt, who finished with six catches for 198 yards, for a touchdown passes of 52 and 22 yards.
Howell also threw a pair of touchdown passes to Josh Brooks, going for 49 and 10 yards.
Howell also scored himself on a one-yard run.
When the dust settled, Garner led 34-0 entering the second period.
“First quarter, first half, we’ve been waiting for someone to step up like that,” said Garner coach Nelson Smith. “It is great for him to have a game like that. He made some great reads and the receivers made some great catches.”
The avalanche continued into the second quarter with Garner Jeremiah Davis racing 28 yards to make it 41-0.
Riverside, which looked strong before fumbling on its first drive, finally dented the scoreboard on a 50-yard pitch and catch from Andrew Evans to Ray Lipscomb.
Evans salvaged a decent game for himself, completing 10 of 24 passes for 203 yards and three touchdown passes to Lipscomb.
