It clicked Thursday for Sumner High football as the Spartans amassed 414 yards rushing in a 42-3 nonleague win over Class 3A Auburn Mountainview in Auburn.

“I’m really proud of the kids,” coach Keith Ross said. “It really opened their eyes to see the hard work is paying off. It was a great start for the Spartan Nation.”

It was the Spartans first opening win in four years and sets the tone for the season as they head into their second nonleague contest Friday night with cross-district rival Bonney Lake. Kickoff for the annual Sunset Bowl is 7 p.m. at Sunset Chev Stadium.

“They’re a good team. We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Ross said of the rivalry, which with Sumner in Class 2A is for bragging rights only this season.

Leading the Spartans impressive ground attack Thursday was Cody Haavick, who rushed for three touchdowns, and Tyler Salsibury, who added two more, including a 65-yard scamper. Mychael Hooser’s 17-yard run in the fourth quarter finalized the Sparts’ scoring. Cody Brennan was good on four of four extra-point attempts.

It wasn’t all offense, as the Spartan defense was unrelenting, holding the Lions to 18 yards in the second half, with the Lions getting their paws on the ball just one minute during one quarter.

“We sent a message we can ground and pound and play hard-nosed defense,” Ross said.