FULTONDALE—On a map, Fultondale and Tarrant high schools are only about three miles apart, but on Thursday night at Wildcats Field in Fultondale that distance seemed more like light years as the Fultondale Wildcats struck early and often on the way to a dominating, 46-7, season-opening win over Tarrant.

Fultondale scored on its first four possessions of the game to take a 26-0 halftime lead and stretched their advantage to 40-0 before Tarrant ever ran an offensive play on the Fultondale side of the field early in the fourth quarter. That first thrust into Fultondale territory ended on downs at the Wildcats’ 43-yard line. Fultondale then marched 57 yards for another score to make the tally 46-0 before Tarrant finally dented the scoreboard in the final seconds to avoid a shutout.

Fultondale coach Richie Busby said he was pleased with his running attack, which ground out 392 yards on 56 attempts, as well as his defensive unit which, despite losing the shutout late in the game, held Tarrant to only six first downs and 150 yards of total offense.

The Wildcats’ punishing ground game was led by Derrick Moore who ran 16 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jason Jones added 86 yards on nine attempts with one touchdown while Kahlil Yow rumbled for 66 yards and a score. Jason King gained 50 yards on six carries and one touchdown while Walter Blair got eight calls for 38 yards and one touchdown. Sterling Starks caught one pass from Jones for a 13-yard touchdown and Bryan Navarette kicked four extra points to round out the Fultondale scoring parade.

The Fultondale defensive effort was led by sophomore linebacker Ja’Len Sims along with Brandon Kelley and Kameron Larkins. All forty or so players who dressed out for the game saw action for Fultondale.

Next week Fultondale opens Class 3A, Region 6 action at home against Hanceville.