FITZGERALD — As expected, the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane controlled the ball and the clock Friday night against the Cairo Syrupmakers. 

But as efficient as the Purple Hurricane were running the ball out of the Wing-T, the proficiency — and lethality — throwing the ball came as a surprise.

Fitzgerald quarterback Denorris Goodwin threw for two touchdowns, and the Purple Hurricane held the ball for 32:19 in a 28-13 victory over the visiting Syrupmakers (1-2).

Fitzgerald’s first drive of the game was a harbinger of things to come — the Purple Hurricane chewed up 9:41 off the clock, going 90 yards in 15 plays before Goodwin crashed in from the 1-yard line.

The Purple Hurricane had more yards passing (80) than rushing (65) in the first half as Goodwin went 7-of-8 through the air. 

Braylon Robinson found a wide open Mo Wilson for a 28-yard scoring strike on the first play of the second quarter, but the two-point try failed, leaving Cairo in an 8-6 hole.

Fitzgerald ran off the next 7:21 and Goodwin ended the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass.

Sparked by Robinson’s 30-yard run, Cairo cut the lead to 15-13 on Kevin Speed’s 1-yard plunge on the third quarter’s opening drive.

Fitzgerald, though, went right back to work and used up nearly 7 minutes before E.J. Lightsey, who has committed to play linebacker at Florida, broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run.

Goodwin’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Zytavious Wilcox with 10:07 capped the scoring.

Fitzgerald had eight possessions in the game. One ended in a fumble that led to Cairo’s first score, four ended in touchdowns, two were concluded with end of each half and only one ended in a punt.