Hayden keep it close until halftime, but eighth-ranked Center Point broke open the game in the third quarter to coast to a 44-6 win Friday.

Running back Virgil Studdard ran for the Eagles’ first four touchdowns, gaining 172 yards on 10 carries.

The Eagles got on the board early when Virgil Studdard ran in from one yard out; the missed extra point kick put Center Point up 6-0 with 9:36 remaining in the first quarter.

The Hayden defense played well the entire first half, but gave up a touchdown late in the second quarter on a 23-yard run by Studdard. Keilan Knight connected with Xavier Perkins for the two point conversion with 2:03 in the half.

On the ensuing kickoff, Clay Hogeland ran the kick back 83 yards for the touchdown and the Wildcats’ only score of the night. The point-after failed, leaving the score at 14-6 at intermission.

The third quarter was all Eagles. On the first play from scrimmage, Studdard ran 76 yards for the touchdown. Hayden then fumbled on their next possession, and the Eagles were in business at the 21. Studdard finished it off again, this time from four yards out with 9:34 n the third quarter.

Hayden turned the ball over on downs on their next possession, and Eagle quarterback Keilan Knight hit Sherman Starks for a 39-yard touchdown pass with 7:45 still in the third quarter.

After forcing a Hayden punt, reserve quarterback Chris Baker found Malcolm Robertson on a 14-yard touchdown pass.

Late in the game Dexter Williams returned an interception 14 yards for the final score of the night.

The Cats had problems holding on to the ball; they fumbled six times, losing possession twice. Quarterback Tim Curry also had one interception; he was 4-for-12 overall  for 20 yards.

The win improves Center Point to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the region, while the loss keeps Hayden winless at 0-8, 0-6.

The  Wildcats have their best chance so far to notch their first win under first-year coach Keith Register, as they host Curry (1-7, 0-6) Friday night for homecoming.