Before the inter-conference game started at Arbutus Middle School, third-year coach Chip Armstrong of Mount Saint Joseph said, "we're much improved over last year; we're gonna be good."

Armstrong's words rang true as the Gaels of the MIAA's A Conference ran up 28 first quarter points against the two-time defending B Conference Champs, pounding the Cavaliers 47-14, on what is considered the Gaels' home field while the stadium on campus undergoes renovation.

Chris Collins had a big night for the Mount, scoring four times. Collins picked up 112 yards on eight carries, and ran a Spalding punt back 75 yards for the first TD of the night. Collins later scored on runs from scrimmage of 1, 7 and 62 yards.

The Gaels (1-0) gained 201 yards on the ground, with 37 from Rod White, and 53 from Renard Robinson. Mount St. Joseph finished with 422 total yards.

Also scoring for the Gaels was Sheldon Hall-Bennet, on seperate 1-yard runs. The last St. Joe TD came on an 85 yard pass from Chris Costabile to Nick Hutcherson.

The visiting Cavaliers (0-1) entered the matchup with a 21-1 record over the past two seasons, including a 14-game winning streak.

"We simply made too many mistakes," said Cavaliers' coach Mike Whittles. "Our lack of communication with one another cost us a few turnovers, and they took advantage of our errors."