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Photo By Drew Fleming Crater defender Jayson Stratton (26) puts a hit on South Medford quarterback John McKay (17). Crater bulldozes South, 23-10 By RANDY HAMMERICKSEN Tanner Hillyer -- Crater High's workhorse fullback and linebacker -- didn't take a single play off on offense or defense in spurring the Comets to their first win of the season. Hillyer, a 5-11, 205-pound senior, scored two rushing touchdowns and made two interceptions to lead the Comets to a 23-10 victory over South Medford Friday night in the Southern Oregon Conference football opener for both teams at Spiegelberg Stadium. "I love being out here the whole game," said Hillyer, a three-year starter for the Comets. "It's what the game is all about. If I can help my team by being out here the whole game, I want to do it. I'm not tired at all." The Comets (1-1) rebounded from a 35-0 loss to Central Catholic last Friday night. "We worked our butts off in practice, and we got a lot done," said Hillyer. "We didn't block very well last week, but tonight I thought we were awesome." Hillyer ran for 70 yards on 14 carries and rumbled over numerous South defenders in clearing the way for tailback Scott Toney, who totaled 95 yards on 22 carries. "You don't ever have to question Tanner's heart out there," said Crater coach Randy Heath. "He gives it everything he has on every play. "He ran the ball hard, blocked very well and he played good defense," said Heath. "He can't do much more than that. "He's our heart and soul. And our leader." The Comets jumped to a 7-0 lead, thanks to a 9-yard touchdown run by Toney, and they built the lead to 10-0 with 9:16 left in the second period on a 28-yard field goal by Brent Foster. Crater took a 16-0 halftime lead when Hillyer completed a 32-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Hillyer set up the touchdown run, intercepting South Medford junior quarterback John McKay. Crater's opening touchdown was set when South's Jimmie Maddox fumbled and the Comets recovered at their own 36. A 41-yard pass from Crater quarterback P.J.Price to wide receiver David Sills moved the ball to the South Medford 9-yard line. One play later, Toney circled off left tackle and bulled his way into the end zone for the touchdown. The Panthers settled down offensively in the second half and started to display some of the diversified offense coach Bill Singler has installed. McKay drove the Panthers 42 yards to the Crater 11-yard line before the drive stalled. Maddox kicked a 28-yard field goal to give the Panthers their first three points of the season and narrowing Crater's lead to 16-3. The Comets responded with an 88-yard touchdown drive. Price completed a 28-yard pass to Foster in the middle of the drive and Hillyer finished it with a 13-yard touchdown run. Foster's conversion kick gave Crater a 23-3 lead with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. The Panthers drove 31 yards to their first touchdown of the year late in the game. McKay completed a 20-yard screen pass to halfback Jeremy Boyd and Boyd ran two times for 10 yards during the drive. McKay finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:38 left in the game. Crater had a 290-209 advantage in total yardage, but South served notice that when Singler's young players grow into his offensive system, they will move the football and score. "We need guys to step up and make athletic plays," said Singler. "It's coming, but we don't have a lot of time. This is varsity football. It's now, and we need to step up, make plays and win some games. "It's going to happen for us. It's a matter of when it does." McKay completed 12 of 24 passes for 135 yards. Tight end Bjorn Johnson of the Panthers had three catches for 54 yards, Maddox caught four passes for 31 yards an Boyd had three receptions for 32 yards. "I feel real confident about our offense and how much it's improved," said McKay. "We were probably a little tight early because it was our first game and that cost us. But I felt awesome. I was ready to rock. It just took a while." "We need guys to catch and throw better," said Singler. "Our running game was up and down, but we're young up front (offensive line). When those kids come along, we will run better." Boyd was South's leading rusher with 10 carries for 42 yards. "We ran the ball pretty well, and the line blocked real well," said Boyd. "I'm proud of those guys. They make me. South Medford travels to Eagle Point, another team looking for its first win, next Friday. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.