There might be a little extra practice time for the Baylor Red Raiders next week after Saturday's season-opening 34-0 win over Brainerd went just a half.
Two lightning delays led game officials, coaches and administrators to agree to rule the game complete after a close strike just as the second half kicked off. The first delay lasted an hour and a half.
Before the premature ending, however, the Red Raiders dominated in every facet, scoring on each of their possessions and outgaining the Panthers 217 yards to minus-22.
"Obviously, it was the first night and the guys were fired up, but it's unfortunate the weather didn't cooperate," Baylor coach Phil Massey said. "We would have liked to have an opportunity to get a lot of kids some looks.
"Overall, I was pleased, but a couple of times we got out of rhythm offensively. It's always good to get the season started on a positive note. We don't have a lot of film to watch, but we will try to fix what we can fix and go from there."
Baylor needed five plays to score on its first possession, with transfer quarterback Neyland Jean running over defenders on three runs and capping the drive with a 3-yard keeper.
A heavy rush on a Brainerd punt - one of two that didn't get off in the first quarter - led to punter Allen Ware having to try to scramble, only to lose yardage and set Baylor up at the 4. Caleb Hampton made it 14-0 one play later with a run over the left side.
Another three-and-out led to a three-play Baylor scoring driver. The Red Raiders went to the air this time, with Jean completing passes of 9, 6 and 26 yards, all to Jay Mosier, for a 20-0 lead. They added touchdowns on a 16-yard run by Gabriel Stulce and, following the first weather delay, a 7-yard run by Noah Martin.
The Baylor defense held Brainerd to zero or minus yards on nine of the Panthers' 17 plays.
The Red Raiders play Chattanooga Christian next Friday, with Brainerd hosting Howard.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.