Mills shuts out Bald Knob, stays perfect 4-0

Mills 35, Bald Knob 0

LITTLE ROCK — Mills kept its perfect season alive Friday night, opening 4A-2 Conference play with a 35-0 rout of Bald Knob.

The Comets (4-0, 1-0) struck early and often behind sophomore quarterback Kingston Burnett, who accounted for three first-half touchdowns. Burnett rushed for a 42-yard score on Mills’ opening drive, then added two long touchdown passes to Chase Slater and Torrance Talbot. He finished with 233 passing yards and nine completions by halftime.

The Comets’ defense complemented the offensive fireworks by pitching their first shutout of the season, holding Bald Knob (1-3, 0-1) to limited rushing lanes and forcing multiple punts. Senior return man Allen Hall electrified the home crowd with a 63-yard punt return touchdown to extend the lead before halftime.

Mills has outscored its opponents 113-36 through four games, with its closest contest a 28-17 win over Osceola in Week 1. Coach Cortez Lee praised his team’s approach. “We didn’t play around too much. I liked the intensity,” Lee said. “We had a high-octane week of conditioning, because this is the start of our second season — conference play.”

Bald Knob entered on a two-game skid and could not find rhythm against Mills’ fast-paced offense and swarming defense. The Bulldogs’ lone win came in Week 1 over Marianna.

Mills returns home next Friday to host Heber Springs, while Bald Knob looks to regroup in league play.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter Mills – Burnett 42-yd run (kick good), 7-0
1st Quarter Mills – Burnett 45-yd pass to Slater (kick good), 14-0
1st Quarter Mills – Allen Hall 63-yd punt return (kick good), 21-0
1st Quarter Mills – Burnett 53-yd pass to Talbot (kick good), 28-0
2nd Quarter Mills – Team 7-yd run (kick good), 35-0

Standout Players

• Kingston Burnett, QB, Mills – 233 passing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 rushing TD

• Chase Slater, WR, Mills – 45-yd TD reception

• Torrance Talbot, WR, Mills – 53-yd TD reception

• Allen Hall, WR/DB, Mills – 63-yd punt return TD

• Mills defense – first shutout of the season, held Bald Knob scoreless