By MICKEL PONTHIEUX / Sports Reporter

COLUMBUS, MS — The two-plus hour drive didn’t affect the Evangel Christian Lightning as they cruised to a 35-6 win over Victory Christian (MS) Sept. 21.

ECS’ Andrew Thompson threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Lightning (3-2) to the victory.

Thompson found Pete Sullivan in the first quarter for a 28-yard touchdown pass to give ECS the early 7-0 lead following Dru Bell’s extra point.

Thompson then found the end zone on the ground when he ran in from six yards out to extend the lead to 14-0 after a Bell extra point.

The Lightning struck again on another Thompson-Sullivan combination when the two connected for an 88-yard touchdown pass. Bell added the point after touchdown to give Evangel the 21-0 halftime advantage.

David Baggett extended the Lightning lead to 28-0 when he carried the ball into the end zone from 30 yards out and Bell added his fourth PAT of the game.

Victory Christian (1-4) scored its only points in the third when Cody Bolton broke for a 57-yard run to cut the score to 28-6.

Thompson threw his third touchdown of the game to cap the scoring in the fourth quarter when he connected with Josh Letson for a 5-yard score. Bell made his fifth PAT of the game for the 35-6 final score.

Thompson finished the game with 253 yards passing. Sullivan had just three catches but totaled 186 yards receiving with two scores.

Baggett led the rushing attack with 39 yards on seven carries and a touchdown.

Grant Webster led the Evangel defense with seven tackles.

Evangel returns to action at Ballard Christian on Sept. 28.