Gardendale closed out the 2016 regular season on a three-game winning streak on Friday night. Behind another strong effort from Rockets’ wideout Conner Howell, Gardendale rolled to a 54-26 win at Class 6A, Region 6 foe Center Point.

Again, Howell was quarterback Michael Crowder’s best option. The two connected for two long touchdowns. First, the two teamed up for a 40-yard pitch and catch in the second quarter. They went 78 yards in the third frame for a 42-20 advantage.

Howell finished with three receptions for 148 yards and the two scores.

The Eagles did secure two early leads, as an 83-yard fumble return gave them a 8-0 edge in the first quarter. With less than a minute remaining in the first, they ran 35 yards to a 14-8 lead, but it was, for the most part, all Gardendale from there.

Demetrius King provided the go-ahead 9-yard touchdown run with 8:35 remaining in the second quarter. King returned to the end zone shortly thereafter, this time from 18 yards out for a 22-14 lead. King logged 76 yards of work off 10 carries.

Amir Burton led the team with 138 yards rushing off 21 carries. He got the Rockets on the scoreboard with a 5-yard scamper and added the 2-point conversion midway through the first frame.

As a team, Gardendale went for 28 first downs and 314 yards rushing. Center Point finished with 88 yards on the ground.

The Rockets enjoy an off week before opening the state playoffs on Nov. 4.