Perry made a triumphant return to the football field Friday night defeating Des Moines Hoover 33-18 in the season opening  game for both teams.  The night marked the return of football to the community of 8,000 after school officials cancelled the final three games of the season last fall due to low numbers and mounting injuries.

Perry set the tone early following an Aiden Burgen 39 yard kick return to the Hoover 47.  The Bluejays put together an 8 play drive capped off by an Alec Burgin 11 yard touchdown run.  Every single yard on the drive came on the ground and Perry was able to overcome an early holding call.  Hoover responded with an impressive drive of their own.  Junior tailback Neeyo Francois caught a throwback screen and took it 15 yards for a touchdown.  The PAT was blocked.

Perry stayed hot offensively and went to the air on their next drive, mounting a 7 play 75 yard march.  Geren Kenney found Trey Hoffbauer in the back of the endzone from 16 yards out to give Perry a 13-7 lead.  The turning point of the first half came on the ensuing drive when Ricky Ponce stripped the football in the red zone and the Bluejays recovered, spoiling another long Husky drive.  Perry’s offense proceeded to drive the ball 72 yards on eight plays and punch in a score with only 8 seconds to go in the first half.  Aiden Burgen took a jet sweep over the right side and zig zagged his way to six giving Perry a 20-6 halftime lead.

Perry dominated the second half and really put the game away early on another Aiden Burgen touchdown run.  Kenney added a rushing touchdown as well and the Bluejays celebrated a convincing opening night win.

Perry finished with 270 yards including 187 yards on the ground.  Slot Aiden Burgen led the way with 72 yards while captain Keegan Synder added 45 yards on just 7 carries after suffering a lower body setback in the first quarter.  Kenney was 8-12 for 89 yards with Hoffbauer pulling in four targets for 40 yards.  Drake Levan added three receptions for 47 yards.  Kenney added 36 yards on the ground.  Kain Killmer led the defense with double digit tackles.

Neeyo Francis scored all three touchdowns for the Huskies and finished with 137 yards of total offense.

Perry will travel to Jefferson next Friday night while Hoover host Oskaloosa.

You can listen to the Perry replay via the on demand section Perry/Hoover at www.raccoonvalleyradio.com