SENATOBIA – Peyton McKnatt completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, Quaid Phillips added two goals and Isvi Torres scored another as Northwest rolled to a 6-2 win over Meridian in the season-opener for both teams.

The Rangers bounced back nicely from a 2-0 shutout in Meridian last season by building a comfortable 4-0 lead at the half.

McKnatt scored the first two goals for the Rangers on the season in the 14th and 20th minutes and Torres made it 3-0 in the 25th minute and the rout was on.

Tresor Kobea scored two goals for Meridian in a 3:19 span in the second half, but it was too little, too late for the Eagles.

Northwest outshot Meridian 24-12, including 15-5 on goal. The foul count was 14-8 Rangers.

Carson Tackett allowed two goals and finished with three saves to earn the win in net. Mario Lopez manned the posts the final three minutes. 

Northwest will return to action on Saturday, August 26 at Southwest Mississippi. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.