The Pebble Hills Spartans set the tone early on and cruised passed the Irvin Rockets in their season opener at the Socorro Independent School District Student Activities Complex, 55-7.

Only three minutes into the game, the Spartans struck first via a 6-yard touchdown run by junior Caleb Gerber, who attributed the Spartan’s success running the ball to the entire team.

“Scoring the first touchdown was not just me, it was the whole team,” Gerber said. “It was the o-line, my quarterback, my receivers blocking. It was not that important to me.”

Then it was the defense’s turn, as in their first series, the Spartans forced a fumble and regained possession. The offense quickly returned to the field, allowing Orlando Puig to connect to Justin Wolfe on a 5-yard touchdown pass, making it 14-0.

Quarterback Christopher Beanes was brought in to try out a different offensive package, and he made his presence felt by scoring two touchdowns for the Spartans.

The Rockets had no answer to the Spartans offensive onslaught, conceding 41 points in the first half. The Spartans kept their opponents scoreless until the third quarter, when the Rockets scored their only touchdown of the game.

“Everybody was excited to play this game,” head coach Mark Torres said. “We executed what we planned to do.” According to Torres, there is much to improve for next week.

“Nothing is ever perfect, we have plenty to look at,” Torres said. “We will address all of the needs and make the adjustments to get ready for Andress.”

The Spartans (1-0) will take on the visiting Andress Eagles Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Socorro Independent School District Student Activities Complex.