EAST BEND— Although the Falcons struck first blood in Friday’s annual meeting between the two Yadkin County high schools, the Rams were able to post big numbers and run away with a 44-5 victory in the 2011 Unifi Bowl.

The storms that pushed back the start of Friday’s game by 30 minutes did little to slow the Starmount offense.

During their first two offensive plays, Christian Hurt and Fondae McDaniel rushed for a combined 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Hurt scampered 12 yards for the third touchdown of the game in the first quarter to put the Rams up 20-3.

Chaston Martin also had a big night rushing for the Rams. Late in the game, Martin rushed for a pair of touchdowns, combining for 98 yards.

While Starmount’s offense built momentum, the Falcon defense came up with a couple of turnovers early in the game, incluiding a fumble recovery and an interception, both of which gave Forbush excellent field position.

However, Starmount’s defense held strong and came up with big stops.

“We turned it over a couple of times with really good field position for them (Forbush). I thought that was pretty good. I thought Chaston and Fondae had really good nights for us,” said Starmount coach Scott Johnson.

For his efforts in the game, Christian Hurt was awarded the MVP honors for the Rams. Hurt finished the game with two touchdowns. He had over 100 yards on three carries.

“They’re (Starmount) an explosive team and we just can’t simulate that kind of speed in practice. We had some great opportunities to keep it close, but against a team like this, you’ve got to capitalize on all your opportunities, and we just didn’t do that,” said Forbush coach Chris Johnson.

Earning the honors for the Falcons was Brittan Baity, who provided the bulk of the running game for the Falcons. He had 40 yards on 20 carries.

Baity returned the game’s opening kickoff for a touchdown, but the play was called back due to a penalty against the Falcons.

“He’s a warrior. I was so disappointed when the opening kickoff was called back. He’s all heart,” Chris Johnson said.

The Rams improve to 3-0 on the season, while the Falcons drop to 0-3. Starmount will host East Wilkes, who picked up their first win of the season against Elkin on Friday night.

Forbush will travel to Millers Creek to face the West Wilkes Blackhawks, who were thumped by the Wilkes Central Eagles, 34-0.

Starmount 20 8 14 2- 44

Forbush 3 2 0 0- 5

First Quarter

F- Alex Torres 36-yard FG

S- Christian Hurt 95-yard run (kick failed)

S- Fondae McDaniel 60-yard run (kick good)

S- Hurt 12-yard run (kick good)

Second Quarter

F- Safety- Casey Evans tackled Fondae McDaniel in end zone

S- Chaston Martin 41-yard run, Christian Hurt two pt. conversion good

Third Quarter

S- Chaston Martin 56-yard run (kick good)

S- Johnny Loflin 4-yard run (kick good)

Fourth Quarter

S- Safety, Forbush fumbled punt out of end zone