LOOKING FOR AN OPENING: Cairo’s Bryian Duncan (24) looks for running room.

CAIRO – Cairo’s mission Friday night was to start quick, leave injury-free and enjoy homecoming festivities. Consider it mission accomplished, as the Syrupmakers did all of that and more in dismantling Salem 55-0 at West Thomas Stadium.

It was the most points the Syrupmakers have scored since crushing Salem last year 62-0.

Cairo scored all 55 points and wracked up 324 yards in the first half and was never challenged in its final non-region game of the year.

“I was proud of the way the kids came out and started the game. We started the game hot and went from there, so proud of the way they came out,” Cairo coach David Coleman said. “Overcoming distractions, I think it’s one of the things homecoming week can do to help you be productive as a football team. I think we did that this week. Hats off to the guys, and hats off to the coaches.”

It seemed everyone had a hand in leading the Syrupmakers to their fifth straight victory.

Freshman Bryian Duncan rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns, including a 76-yard jaunt that started the scoring in the first quarter. Senior KJ Spence added to the rushing totals with 114 yards and three touchdown runs of 33, 8 and 28 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Bryce Wilson threw for 92 yards and two touchdowns, both to senior Amari Powell of 31 and 4 yards. Senior defensive lineman Cedtron Brown also returned a fumble 14 yards for a defensive score.

The Syrupmakers scored on seven possessions, each in four plays or less. Cairo also had three one-play scoring drives.

Cairo (5-1) will return to the field next Friday when it hosts Shaw in the Region 1-AAAA opener. The Raiders are 3-3. Cairo throttled Shaw 34-0 last year.