RICHLAND CENTER - “Go north!” became the motto of the Richland Center Hornets and Westfield Pioneers Friday, and the Pioneers reached the end zone more often than the Hornets.

Westfield scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and grabbed a 27-14 win over the Hornets here at Ripp Field in the Hornets’ first home game of the season.

Kyle Kalish scored two touchdowns for Westfield which notched its first win of the season. Alex Slowey threw to Tyler Janke for a touchdown, and Brad Floeter ran for another. The Pioneers kicked three of four conversions.

Meanwhile, the Hornets, who fell to 0-3, scored twice on long runs by fullback Kory Stevens. Todd Wienkes threw to Chris Doudna for a two-point conversion.

All six touchdowns were scored in the north end zone.

Four turnovers – three fumbles and an interception – undermined the Hornets’ hopes for their first win.

Although Westfield started fast, the Hornets fought back. After the Pioneers took a 20-0 lead in the first quarter, Stevens bolted 64 and 56 yards for touchdowns in the second quarter as the Hornets drew within 20-14.

They seemed to have the momentum as well as the ball to start the second half, but they fumbled their opportunity. After an offensive free-for-all in the first half, the second half was defense-dominated.

Slowey passed 42 yards to Janke to open the scoring. Kalish ran 15 and one yards as Westfield took a 20-0 lead.

Stevens dashed 64 yards for the Hornets’ first touchdown and shortly thereafter, he ran 56 yards. The Hornets’ failed on their first conversion kick attempt, but Doudna’s catch pulled them within six points.

Floeter’s four-yard plunge capped the scoring.

Westfield held a 13-7 edge in first downs. The Pioneers’ ball control resulted in 63 rushes for 258 yards. They also completed three of six passes for 48 yards. The Hornets amassed 212 yards on the ground in 30 attempts and struggled in the air. They  were one of seven passing for minus-3 yards.

Floeter carried 26 times for 174 yards for Westfield while Stevens led Hornet rushers with nine carries for 155 yards.

The Hornets will travel to Mauston for their final non-conference game before opening SWC action. Mauston was walloped, 47-14, by Platteville Friday night.

In other action involving SWC schools last week, Nekoosa ambushed River Valley, 29-17. Wautoma outscored Dodgeville, 56-27. Lancaster overwhelmed Adams-Friendship, 67-14. And Prairie du Chien belted Wisconsin Dells, 42-22.