BASALT – The newly installed zone-read offense finally is clicking. The result: a dominant effort and a third consecutive win for the Basalt football team.

Cody Banc rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns – including a 55-yard scamper in the first quarter – and the Longhorns dominated on defense, rolling to a 23-0 homecoming win against winless Olathe.

“It’s definitely a work in progress, but the offense is coming together,” Basalt head coach Carl Frerichs said. “We took another step tonight, and you’re going to see that each week.

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“Our offensive line was incredible. We were inside their 20 a couple more times in the first half and would’ve scored more had it not been for fumbles or turnovers on downs. I know Olathe is down, but they still bring it defensively. We had holes all over the field.”

Banc took advantage on the Longhorns’ second possession in the first quarter.

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After the Basalt defense forced a fumble on the ensuing Pirates possession, kicker Bertilio Garcia upped the advantage to 10 with a confident boot from about 35 yards out.

The senior split the uprights twice more in the second half.

“He just played incredible, his best game of the season,” Frerichs said. “Every kickoff was out of the end zone, he played offense and defense, and his kicks would’ve been good from pretty much anywhere.”

Banc scored once more in the opening minutes of the third. The Basalt defense made sure the lead held up – and then some.

“Jonny Madrano, Fabian Martinez and Jarrett Miller played incredible,” Frerichs said. “We held them the entire game.”

The Longhorns, now 4-2, will need a similar effort next week if they are to pull off an upset at Grand Valley (5-1)

“We still have a long way to go, but we’re definitely getting better,” Frerichs said. “It’s definitely going to be a tough one, but I feel like if we play well, we can compete with anyone. If we don’t, we can lose to anyone. We’re excited. We’re going into the middle of October with a lot to play for.”

jmaletz@aspentimes.com