The Greene County High School football season started with a 49-0 victory at Perry on Friday night in the renewal of the “Cowbell” series. The Rotary Clubs from Jefferson and Perry donated a cowbell in 1928 that is housed by the winning team until its brought to the field for the game the following year. Teams based in Jefferson own a 2-1 advantage since the cowbell was introduced and Greene County has won the last three games.

On Friday night, the Rams dominated in all phases of the game. The defense allowed just 35 total yards of offense to the Blue Jays. Perry had 11 yards and a first down just two plays into the contest, then compiled just 24 yards and one first down the rest of the game. The defense was credited with a safety when Perry was in punt formation from their one yard line and the center snap went over the punter’s head and out the back of the end zone. Senior Jaxon Warnke recovered a fumble for the game’s only turnover.

The Greene County offense had 314 total yards with 167 passing and 137 rushing. The Rams didn’t have to go far most of the night as seven of their nine offensive possessions began on Perry’s side of the 50 yard line. That total includes five of six first half possessions when the Rams built a 43-0 lead.

Special teams were outstanding as well. Sophomore Richard Daugherty returned the kickoff following the safety 76 yards for a touchdown. Warnke had a punt return of 50 yards, and the first team offense did not have to punt. Freshman Nathan Behne made five of six extra point attempts, and Nathan Black’s kickoffs kept the Blue Jays from getting good field position.

Next up is the home opener at Linduska Field in Jefferson on Friday, Sept. 4. Class 1A second ranked South Central Calhoun (Lake City) is the opponent. The Titans began their season with a 14-0 victory over Kuemper Catholic (Carroll). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the contest can be heard on KG98 and streamed on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com.