ROGERS — Joey Saucier had a huge impact in Rogers Heritage’s win a week ago by returning two kickoffs for scores. He did it again Friday against Siloam Springs, but this time he did it on offense and defense.
The junior receiver caught seven passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns and also swatted away a potential touchdown pass as a defensive back to help the War Eagles roll to a 42-7 homecoming victory at Gates Stadium.
Saucier caught touchdown passes of 17, 29 and 69 yards from Heritage quarterback Josh Qualls, including one late in the third quarter to get the 35-point difference to invoke the mercy rule in the 7A/6A-West.
But the 6-0, 188-pound speedster also helped keep Siloam Springs (1-2-1, 0-1 7A/6A-West) out of the end zone before halftime. He was inserted as a defensive back on the final play of the first half and batted down a pass in the end zone as time expired.
Saucier said he and Qualls are beginning to get some chemistry.
“Now we’re starting to have a connection and getting into the flow,” Saucier said. “I’m understanding what he wants as a quarterback and he’s understanding what I want as a receiver.”
Heritage coach Perry Escalante said Saucier played extremely well, but also said he didn’t really show off his speed.
“Watching him run, he hasn’t hit that other gear year,” Escalante said. “He’s got a lot more speed that he can kick in.”
Saucier wasn’t the only offense for Heritage (3-1, 1-0). Qualls completed 18-of-22 passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns. He also threw an interception.
Siloam Springs coach Bryan Ross said Saucier and others were just too much for the Panthers.
“He’s really, really fast, in the game of football that means a lot, They gave him the football out in space and he’s difficult to catch. Qualls is a three-year starter at quarterback and he’s dang good. The running back’s dang good.”
EXTRA POINTS:
w Rogers Heritage intercepted two passes in the end zone, one by Daniel Spickes and the other by Oscar Balbuena.
w Panthers receiver Chandler Gregory had six catches for 76 yards, while Zach Davis added five catches for 43 yards.
w Siloam Springs managed just 177 yards of total offense, including just 32 yards in the second half.
w Rogers Heritage rolled up 524 yards of total offense, including 122 yards rushing by Brandon Gates. The senior running back now has 710 yards for the season.
Up Next: Rogers Heritage travels to Springdale Har-Ber next week, while Siloam Springs hosts Bentonville.
HOW THEY SCORED
ROGERS HERITAGE.^42
SILOAM SPRINGS^7
Siloam Springs^7^0^0^0^—^7
Rogers Heritage^7^14^21^0^—^42
First Quarter
Silo — Baldwin 15 pass from Lampton (Vazquez kick), 4:28.
Hert — Spickes 2 pass from Qualls (Grom kick), 2:59.
Second Quarter
Hert — Gates 2 run (Grom kick), 8:59.
Hert — Saucier 17 pass from Qualls (Grom kick), 3:32.
Third Quarter
Hert — Spickes 11 pass from Qualls (Grom kick), 7:59.
Hert — Saucier 29 pass from Qualls (Grom kick), 4:57.
Hert — Saucier 69 pass from Qualls (Grom kick), 1:41.