The Wayland High School varsity football team got off to a really good start Thursday night with a 49-14 victory over visiting non-conference opponent Lansing Waverly.

Hopkins also emerged victorious on opening night with a 34-20 victory over visiting Fremont.

The Wildcats scored early and often, taking a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter and then extended their lead to 35-14 at the half. They turned it into a rout in the third period by expanding the cushion to 49-14.

Waverly, which was coming off a 2-7 season overall a year go, plays in the Capital Area Conference.

The Wildcats are coming off their most successful season since 2013. They went 6-4 overall ion 2023, qualifying for the post-season playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

Hopkins’ contest kicked off its 75th gridiron season in its history, dating back to 1949.

The Vikings defeated a Packers’ team that also fashioned al 2-7 overall record from 2023.

The Vikings racked up 448 yards in total offense, 414 on the ground, with senior Zac Wierenga accounting for 141 yards himself.

Hopkins scored first in the opening quarter on a 4-yard run and it was leading 7-6 in the second period when Cole Schaendorf crossed the goal line from 11 yards out. Aaron Arnsman carried it in from five yards in the third quarter to open up a 20-6 lead.

The Packers were able to knot the count at 20 apiece early in the fourth period, but the Vikings responded with a pair of touchdowns to pull away.

Reed Owen kicked three extra points for Hopkins.

Senior Jacob Helder rushed for 101 yards and scored two TDs and Wierenga added one six-pointer.

Schaendorf led the defensive unit with seven tackles and three assists. Junior Jaxson Koperski came up with four tackles and four assists.