Mason Hanson powers Kelso past Mark Morris in season opener

Mark Morris football looked to make a statement while Kelso football looked to paint a picture of its new-look offense.

While the game was perhaps closer than the 19-6 score would indicate, a cocktail of running back Mason Hanson, turnovers and splash plays bolstered the Hilanders (1-0) for a gritty road win over Mark Morris (0-1) at Longview Memorial Stadium Friday night.

Kelso defenders, white, look for the loose ball after causing a fumble in a game against Mark Morris on Friday, Sept.

5 at Longview Memorial Stadium.

After a stellar offseason, second year coach Mike Peck looked to have his program humming.

And it did at times.

Mark Morris' offensive line, which featured all five returners from a season ago, was prominent in the run game while the Monarchs defensive front found penetration early to limit the Hilanders rush attack.

Kelso receiver Kaden Mendes, 11, tracks the ball over a Mark Morris defender for a touchdown in a game on Friday, Sept.

5 at Longview Memorial Stadium.

Mark Morris running back Avery Elliot, 3, stuff arms a Kelso defender in a game on Friday, Sept.

5 at Longview Memorial Stadium.

It came down to two turnovers from Kelso's defense a turnover on downs and forced fumble and two splash plays for its offense in the second quarter to separate by the intermission as the 3A Greater St.

Helens program outclassed its 2A counterpart.

Mark Morris' offense marched up the field through its rushing attack and outgained Kelso in passing yards, rush yards and total yards of offense, yet couldn't find the endzone.

The Monarchs shut the Hilanders out in the second half while an Aaron Ibarreta-led drive was capped by running back Avery Elliot to erase Kelso's shutout bid.

TOUCHDOWN | 5:42 Kelso RB Mason Hanson 3-yard run.

PAT No Good.

End of first quarter: Kelso 6, Mark Morris 0 TOUCHDOWN | 9:53 Kelso QB Anders Dahl keeper and lateral to RB Mason Hanson for 58 yards.

PAT is Good.

TOUCHDOWN | 9:06 Kelso WR Kaden Mendes 45-yard pass from QB Anders Dahl.

PAT No Good.

Halftime score: Kelso 19, Mark Morris 6 No scoring plays End of third quarter: Kelso 19, Mark Morris 6 No scoring plays FINAL: Kelso 19, Mark Morris 6 Check out more coverage at x.com/Andrew_Lwowski .

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