A record-setting night by Kingwood quarterback Andrew Pearce made it clear that the Lions are a force to be reckoned with in AISA football this season.

Pearce completed 28-of-48 passes in the game for 472 yards and a gaudy eight touchdowns in his team’s 63-47 win over Evangel Christian. The Lions’ slinger added 43 yards of rushing on the ground and reached the end zone once.

&8220;Our offense is really rolling right now,&8221; Kingwood assistant coach James Lee said. &8220;That’s the kind of game that kids dream about when they’re throwing the ball around in the backyard,&8221; he said of Pearce’s performance.

Pearce added nine extra point kicks, but wide receiver Cody Owens was not to be outdone by his teammate. Owens finished the night with 11 catches for 212 yards and four scores. The Lions’ top receiver and Pearce’s favorite target has been inconsistent in past games, but Lee said the victory over Evangel was Owen’s chance to get back on track.

&8220;He’s back to where we thought he would be all season,&8221; Lee said.

Despite the win, the Lions suffered a critical loss on the sideline in the game.

Head coach Jerry Stearns, having just recovered from off-season surgery, slipped and broke his hip during the game.

Lee said, however, that he does not expect Stearns to stay away for long.

&8220;He was watching film after the game in the hospital,&8221; he said. &8220;I have a feeling it will not be too long before we see him back.&8221;

Other key players for the Lions included receiver Lakin Spinks, who finished with four catches for 103 yards and two scores, and freshman Ethan Abbott on defense, who notched eight solo tackles and four assists.

The win also gave Kingwood the opportunity to host a first-round playoff game at home.

&8220;That’s huge for us.&8221; Lee said. &8220;This is the first time that Kingwood had been in the playoffs and what a way to start.&8221;

Before beginning postseason play, the Lions will host the Coosa Valley Rebels at Kingwood Field this Friday.

The Rebels have struggled this year as a young team, winning only one game so far in the 2005 season.

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.