The Morgan Academy Senators (1-1) rebounded from a tough week one overtime loss to Pike Liberal Arts, and defeated the Edgewood Academy Wildcats (1-1) 37-0 on Friday night in Elmore.

“Tough, disappointing, heart-breaking and all the words you can use for being crushed after that week one loss,” Morgan Academy head football coach Josh Thacker said. “But we had a good week of practice and got some guys back healthy, and we played a good football game tonight.”

The Senators matched their week one score total in the first quarter by putting up 14 points against the Wildcats. The Senators kept the pressure on, and scored 16 more before halftime.

Morgan only scored once more in the second half, but the 37 points was a safe enough lead.

“Holt ran the ball well for us tonight, which allowed us to get Hardin, Ed and Dione Allen out in space,” Thacker said.

The offense was led by running back Holt Utsey, who rushed for 84-yards and three touchdowns on 15 attempts. Ed Williams also stuck out on the stat sheet with a 46-yard run and six receptions for 94-yards and a touchdown.

Morgan Academy quarterback Jeremy Lee settled into this game and completed 11-of-18 passes for 200-yards and two touchdowns, including a 43-yard connection with Hardin Utsey and the 22-yard toss to Williams.

However, the Senators defensive stats were more impressive than the offense. Morgan Academy held the Wildcats to -16 yards rushing, and 18 yards receiving. Edgewood’s offense only netted two-yards for the game, and Williams got an interception to pad his stat sheet.

“Defense had a fantastic night,” Thacker said. “They’re coached by Shaun Bonds, so they’re going to be extremely good at what they do. Coach Bonds just dialed up a great game plan tonight. We put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, had great secondary and linebackers were all over the field.”

The Senators record returns to .500 as they have their first home game next Friday, Aug. 31 versus Patrician Academy.

“We know right now that we’re going to get a war from Patrician,” Thacker said. “Those guys are well-coached. They’re the defending state AISA-A champions. It’s going to be a lot of fun, but at the same time it’s going to be a huge fight for us.”