The Ironmen’s balanced offensive attack and stout defensive play led to a 48-7 win over the West Wildcats in Friday night’s home opener. With the win, Community improved 2-0 on the season and in Big 12 action, while West fell to 1-1.

Iron quarterback Kyle Beaty’s four-score performance was instrumental in the win, as the senior threw three touchdowns and rushed for one.

Beaty’s favorite target, wide receiver Mar’Quan Gary, hauled in two touchdown passes in the first quarter, scoring on plays of 18 and 27 yards to give the Ironmen an early 14-0 lead.

West managed to respond later in the first quarter with a 23-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the score to 14-7, but that would be their only points of the night.

From there, the Ironmen’s defense took over, holding West to 160 total yards and only seven first downs.

The Community defense was relentless, limiting the Wildcats to 55 rushing yards and an 11% third-down efficiency rate.

Running back Calen Taylor posted another standout performance for Community, rushing for 160 yards on 11 carries and scoring two touchdowns, including a 27-yard dash in the second quarter that extended the lead to 21-7.

A.J. Montoya found paydirt in the second quarter to put Community up 28-7 for his first score of the season.

Taylor added a 22-yard score to open up the third quarter before Beaty connected with Ivoreon Austin on a 37-yard score.

Beaty capped off the rout with a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to lock up the win.

Key Performers:

• Kyle Beaty (QB, Normal Community): 9/16, 184 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT; 4 carries, 10 yards, 1 TD
• Calen Taylor (RB, Normal Community): 11 carries, 160 yards, 2 TDs; 2 catches 33 yards
• Mar’Quan Gary (WR, Normal Community): 4 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TDs
• Ivoreon Austin (WR, Normal Community): 2 receptions, 43 yards, 1 TD
• Cole Kretsinger (RB, Normal Community): 11 carries, 78 yards