Two quarters of play from quarterback Andrew Pearce and receiver Cody Owens were all the Kingwood Lions needed Friday night to defeat the Coosa Valley Rebels, 40-16, at home.

The dynamic duo that has connected for more than a thousand yards for the Lions hooked up twice in Week 10 on pass plays of 26 and 21 yards. Pearce completed 11-of-18 passes in the first half for 270 yards and four scores and rushed for two more touchdowns on five carries for 59 yards.

Owens caught five passes for 144 yards, two scores and also netted an interception on the defensive side of the ball.

&8220;It felt really good to win tonight,&8221; Owens said after the game. &8220;Andrew and I just pick each other up really well,&8221; Owens noted that he has been at the receiving end of more than 50 percent of Pearce’s passing yards this season.

&8220;Andrew and Cody both played great for us,&8221; Kingwood assistant coach James Lee said after the victory. &8220;We were rolling in the first half.&8221;

Lee and fellow assistant coaches Bob Spurgeon and Gregg Farrell filled in for head coach Jerry Stearns who is still recovering from the broken hip he suffered after slipping on the sideline in Week 9 this season.

&8220;Coach Stearns is doing great,&8221; Lee said. &8220;We expect him to be back very soon.&8221;

Other key performers for the Lions included receivers Nick Massey and Adam Irby. Massey reeled in two catches for 48 yards and a score while Irby registered three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Andrew Gilliam led Kingwood on defense with eight tackles while Nick McNish and Chase Laney each registered seven tackles.

The win gave the Lions a final regular season record of 9-1, with much of the credit going to the play of Pearce and Owens.

Pearce was recognized last week for his outstanding play

in the Lions’ Week 9 win against Evangel Christian in which the junior quarterback passed for 470 yards and eight touchdowns, rushed for 43 yards and a score and kicked nine extra points.

He was named a finalist by the 24 Hour Fitness and Student Sports national prep football program.

&8220;It really came unexpected,&8221; Pearce said of the honor. &8220;It’s something that the whole team deserves.&8221;

Pearce’s coach echoed his quarterback’s sentiments.

&8220;It was huge for him and the school,&8221; Farrell said of the award. &8220;He’s a very humble kid, though. You would never know any of the things he’s accomplished because he’s not really a bragger.&8221;

The Lions host Pickens Academy (6-4) this Friday night at 7:30 p.m