Stonington — In his many years coaching high school football at Killingly, Chad Neal has gained significant mileage from his assertion that “RPO,” normally football speak for “run/pass option,” actually means “run people over” in his program.

But this was the night, the 2024 season opener, that “RPO” also stood for “ridiculously proficient output,” “really prolific offense” and “run/pass outbursts.”

Yes, Neal’s team was THAT good Thursday night, rolling to a 68-16 win over Stonington.

Junior running back Hayden Allard, carrying the torch left by former program greats Ben LaBelle, Spencer Lockwood and Soren Rief (among others) did them all proud. He ran 18 times for 308 yards and seven touchdowns — 224 yards of which came in the first half.

It’s a Killingly thing, apparently.

“The kids in town growing up all want to be that (running) back,” Neal said. “I actually think we have five guys who can run the ball this year.”

And yet Allard gives his team an element of speed not necessarily typical of a program that is normally methodical, if not precise.

“He’s fast,” Neal said of Allard. “It makes a difference at the second level. He’s running by linebackers and defensive backs. He reminds me of (former Gatorade Player of the Year) Spencer Lockwood.”

Joseph Mackie ran for 98 yards and a score for Killingly, while quarterback Quinn Sumner threw for 108 yards, including a 35-yard score to Hunter Allard.

Killingly led 21-0 early before the Bears struck quickly, beginning with quarterback Jayden Carter’s 75-yard touchdown pass to Chase Spurley. Stonington forced a fumble on the kickoff and converted a touchdown when Carter (19-for-33 for 186 yards) hit Jacob Schrage with a 9-yard scoring pass. Suddenly, it was 21-16.

Then Killingly scored 34 straight points to end the half. In that span, It had two one-play scoring drives, long touchdown runs from Allard and Mackie.

“We talk all the time about responding to adversity,” Neal said.

Stonington coach A.J. Massengale said, “a tough matchup. The best team in the ECC over the last 10 years. There’s never a compete problem with our guys. But Killingly is very well-coached and one of the best teams in the state.”

[email protected]