While the competition level may have dropped a tick or two, Hennessey coach Mark Cox definitely liked what he saw in his team’s 34-0 homecoming win over Perry on Friday.

“This game was a big step in the right direction for our team,” said Cox, whose Eagles improved to 1-2 heading into an off week before district play begins.

The Eagles had been outscored a combined 7020 in their first two games against Chisholm and Thomas, teams that are now a combined 4-2 and are strong contenders to reach the playoffs.

Perry didn’t offer those credentials, but the Maroons did offer Hennessey a chance to right the ship in some areas provided the Eagles took advantage of the opportunity.

They did. Hennessey led 28-0 at the half, had a balanced offense, didn’t turn it over for the first time this season and held the Maroons under 50 yards of offense.

“Our guys just played a lot better in all phases of the game,” Cox said.

Levi Ferrell was 9 of 10 passing for 149 yards and a pair of scores.

That included Hennessey’s first touchdown, a 16-yard connection with Brady Amburn in the first quarter.

His second passing TD was in the third when he found Beau Vinson from 27 yards out before Hennessey fully took its foot off the gas.

In between, Ferrell ran for a pair of 1-yard scores.

Alex Gonzalez added a 2-yard rushing touchdown and led the team with 53 yards on 10 carries.

As a team, Hennessey ran for 137 yards and averaged 4.6 a carry.

Vinson caught a teamhigh four passes for 64 yards.

“We were efficient on the offensive side,” said Cox. “Not only did we not turn it over, but our starters scored on every possession they played.”

The Eagles also won the turnover battle 3-0.

Vinson and Brytan Gardner each picked off Perry passes while Esteban Blanco recovered a fumble.

Jameson Ladwig roamed all over the field for 14 tackles, including a sack.

Gardner added eight stops.

The Maroons netted just 17 yards on 40 attempts, less than .5 yard per carry.

They also had just 26 passing yards.

“We played with a lot of great effort on defense,” Cox said. “We played with more physicality and ran to the ball well.”

Hennessey doesn’t play again until Sept. 25 when it visits Christian Heritage to begin its District 2A-II-1 schedule.

CHA is currently 3-0 on the season with wins over Casady, Frederick and Luther.