GAINESVILLE — The Ben Hall era is off to a flying start for Flowery Branch football.
Malik Damons made certain of that.
The Falcons running back rushed for 136 yards and three touchdowns, including the first two scoring runs of the contest, to help spark the Branch to a 38-0 defeat of North Hall on Friday night at The Brickyard.
Damons' work was part of a 213-yard rushing effort for the Falcons (1-0), who also dominated on defense, allowing just 47 total yards en route to the shutout. The Trojans (0-2) managed just three first downs for the contest.
Damons opened the scoring with a 10-yard scamper with 6:10 left in the first quarter, and the Falcons made it 10-0 on Alexander Sanchez's 40-yard field goal. Damons then made it 17-0 on a five-yard run with 6:00 left in the second quarter.
New Flowery Branch starting quarterback Elijah Gainey put up his first touchdown pass of his Falcons career just before the half, connecting with Jalin Strown for a 25-yard touchdown pass that yielded a 24-0 scoreline for the visitors at the half.
Malik Drayton and Damons each added short touchdown runs in the second half.
North Hall take a bye next week before looking to bounce back on Sept. 8 at Pickens.
Flowery Branch plays host to Chestatee next week.
