Getting a boost from fullback Chase Logan, running back Jace Daniels turned in a career day Saturday in the Kenai Kardinals' 51-16 season-opening drubbing of Nikiski.
Daniels, a senior, rushed for 485 yards while averaging more than 24 yards per carry. He also averaged a touchdown every three carries — he scored seven times on 20 carries.
"Chase Logan was lead-blocking him every single play," Kenai assistant coach Jim Beeson said. "He did a great job lining up and blocking people."
Kenai kept to the ground the entire game, throwing just one pass. Daniels, who rushed for about 600 yards all of last season, according to Beeson, amassed the bulk of the Kardinals' 553 rushing yards.
Nikiski ran twice as many plays as Kenai — 62 to 30. "All of ours were long plays," Beeson said.
The game was scoreless in the first and fourth quarters.
Nikiski led 15-14 at the half but Kenai took charge with a 36-point third quarter. Daniels scored five of his touchdowns that quarter, on runs of 73, 2, 81, 38 and 43 yards. His second-quarter TD runs were both 49-yarders.
The game was played at Kenai's Ed Hollier Field, which was rededicated prior to kickoff.