ALEXANDRIA — The Eastern Hancock Royals kicked off the 2021 season with a 37-27 victory on the road at Alexandria on Friday night.
The Class 2A Royals secured first-year head coach Phil Morris’ first win at Eastern Hancock behind a balanced attack.
Morris, who previously coached at Rushville and South Vermillion, entered with a 23-37 career record. Now, he has win No. 24.
The Royals offense was powered by Cole Rainbolt, who rushed for two touchdowns. Landon O’Neal hauled in five catches for a 142 yards and three touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Houston Swan passed for 215 yards with O’Neal being his primary target.
The Royals have won their season opener in four consecutive years, and they will look to go 2-0 for the first time since 2019 when they finished 8-3 overall.
Eastern Hancock hosts Class A North Decatur next week with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
