Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

The Western Boone football team took care of business on Friday night against Frankfort. The Stars cruised to a 61-0 homecoming win over the Hot Dogs, improving to 4-2 on the year. "We had a good week of practice and the whole mentality to was to take a step forward this week," Western Boone head coach Justin Pelley said. "I think we did that in practice, and even in the quarter and a half our starters were in, they did what they needed to do and that's what you want to see." The Stars turned it over near midfield on the opening drive of the game, but that was pretty much the only blemish they had the entire game. Jack Mallory blocked a punt after the Western Boone defense got a stop on the ensuing possession, leading to a Jake Smith touchdown run. Just a few plays later, the Stars defense got in the act, with Carson Nicley recovering a fumble and returning it for a touchdown to make it 14-0. The Stars continued to find success in the first half, with Brennan Kopriva throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Sheets. Smith added two more scores, with Sheets and Jack Mallory also adding rushing touchdowns. A touchdown pass from Ty Riner to Owen Howe made it 55-0 at the half. Riner connected with Nathan Thompson for a touchdown in the second half. Defensively, Quinn Westerfeld had an interception. "I think we are getting better in all three phases," Pelley said. "We are showing glimpses of it and we need to put it all together when it matters, that's the key. We are on the right track." The second half was played with a running clock. In the third quarter, Frankfort started with a lengthy drive and got within the Western Boone 10-yard line, but the Stars defense rose to the occasion and kept the shut out intact. "We told the guys at halftime, they weren't going to stop playing and it matters to keep a zero for our defensive guys," Pelley said. "They work so hard and we aren't all about stats, but that's a big deal for the defense. For our young guys to play against their varsity and a lot of seniors and juniors and hold their own - that's good to see." Kopriva finished 4-of-5 for 55 yards and a score. Riner was 2-of-4 for 26 yards and two scores. Smith ran for 85 yards and three scores. Western Boone heads to undefeated Southmont next week. "It's a lot of little things we need to get better at," Pelley said. "There is a lot to work on. To win like this and have a lot to work on is a good thing." Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.