The frustration and doubt of a winless season has ceased to exist in the St. Aloysius locker room. The Flashes snatched a 41-21 win against Hartfield Academy Friday, their first of the season and in their new district.

The Flashes (1-4) jumped to a 21-0 by the end of the first half. With 222 total yards in the first half, it was clear they were on their way to victory.

St. Al’s offense was smooth from start to finish, despite committing six penalties for 65 yards.

“I thought the kids played really well all the way through,” said Flashes coach BJ Smithhart. “I’m just proud of them picking themselves up. It’s a big district win.”

Connor Bottin rushed like a madman for 109 yards in just the first half. He finished the night with 221 yards. Bottin rushed for two touchdowns, on one of which he exploded for 57 yards on the first play of the second half.

Brandon Teller also had a 75-yard rushing touchdown for the Flashes’ final score of the night, with 2:25 left in the third quarter

The Flashes won’t have another district game for two weeks and take on Adams County Christian for homecoming next Friday.

Smithhart said there was really nothing done differently between the first four games of the season and their game against Hartfield.

“We got some guys who’re going to get better every time they play because it’s their first year to get some experience. So proud of guys like Landon Middleton for how hard he played tonight defensively,” Smithhart said.

Middleton had a 2-yard loss on a rushing attempt on a fourth down, resulting in a turnover on downs, but Smithhart said this was his fifth high school game.

The Flashes’ defense allowed 246 total yards and gave the Hawks their 21 points in the second half, with Josh Price having a monstrous sack to end the first half.

“We move (Price) around from nose to tackle to end. We feel like he’s the best player on the field any Friday night in the trenches. He’s that good and we just try to use him the best way we can. He’s a really good football player,” Smithhart said.

Hartfield (2-3) scored on a 2-yard rushing attempt by Ti Robinson, a 21-yard pass from quarterback Nick Stinson to Trey Clark and another 20-yard pass from Clark to Dustin Qualls.

Robinson was the Hawks’ leading rusher with 64 yards.