Hunter Oates breaks free for six points.

Visiting Magnolia was hoping to gain their first win of the season on Friday night at River, but the Pilots proved to be too much for the winless Blue Eagles as they punched their way to a lopsided 48-20 win at Martin Flannery Field.

River received an outstanding performance from senior running back turned quarterback Lucas Dennis as he crossed the goal line five times to lead Coach Mike Flannery’s team to their first win of the season. Dennis scored on runs of one yard and three yards in the first quarter, then added another one yard punch in and ripped off a 67 yard run while also scoring on a 76 yard highlight kickoff return.

All told he gained a whopping 266 yards on 33 carries to lead the Pilots to the win. River also received a score from Wyatt Stalder who took a handoff and rambled 72 yards for a score.

The Blue Eagles received a strong performance from running back Hunter Oates who accounted for 165 yards on 17 carries and two scores. Matthew Anderson added 64 yards on the ground while Kingston Christen gained five yards on three carries. Christen also completed 6-13 passes for 105 yards and an interception.

River will host an undefeated and powerful Barnesville Team on Friday night in Hannibal while Magnolia is on the road again at Cameron, a 2-1 team. Both games are slated for 7 p.m.