FAIRHOPE — St. Michael Catholic shook off a slow start and exploded behind quarterback Gunner Rivers’ arm to take down Bayside Academy 41-10 on Friday night.

“We were all itching to be out there,” senior wideout Tucker Tomlinson said. “When the moment finally came, we couldn’t wait to compete, and as far as being a senior, there is no other group of guys I’d rather be doing it with.”

The Admirals set the early tone with a clock-chewing opening drive that spanned nearly 11 minutes. Running back Brennen Yamane and quarterback Davis Barnett combined to move the chains, highlighted by a 4th-and-7 screen pass to Yamane that set up first-and-goal at the Cardinal 10-yard line. St. Michael’s defense held firm, though, forcing Bayside to settle for a field goal and a 3-0 lead after the opening quarter.

The Cardinals’ offense found some rhythm in the second quarter after a short punt gave them the ball at the Bayside 30-yard-line; Rivers then connected with Breadyn Walton on a screen pass for the first touchdown of the night. Rivers added another scoring strike before halftime to give the Cardinals a 13-3 advantage.

Though known for being a standout receiver, Brody Jones got it done on both sides of the ball. The senior provided a defensive spark when he picked off Barnett late in the half to stop an Admiral drive.

“I tell my coaches all the time that whenever they need me I'm ready,” Jones said. “When my name was called to go out, I knew I was going to make a play, but being able to contribute on both sides of the ball feels really good.”

St. Michael carried all of the momentum out of the locker room to start the second half. Noah Moss capped the opening possession with his first rushing touchdown of the season, then Rivers hit Tucker Tomlinson on a slant route to stretch the lead.

Bayside answered with a long screen-pass touchdown to trim the deficit, but the Cardinals’ passing game continued to click. Rivers tossed his fourth touchdown of the night early in the fourth quarter, this time to Jones, making it four scoring connections to four different receivers.

Sophomore running back Nygel Mitchell added the final blow with a five-yard touchdown run on a misdirection play to seal the 41-10 victory.

St. Michael (1-0) will look to carry that explosive second half into next week when they hit the road to Birmingham to take on John Carroll Catholic. Bayside (0-1) will attempt to rebound in week two with their home opener against Marbury.