BEATRICE – The John Essex football program finally found something they’ve lacked all season: Momentum.

The Hornets (2-4) dropped JF Shields 46-2 on the road Friday night, putting together the school’s first winning streak in more than two seasons.

“We’re finally starting to gel,” first year coach Lenoise Richey said. “That first week, we had some conditioning problems. Then we had a few discipline problems. I suspended some guys for a little bit and when they got the message that we’re going to be a disciplined program, it all started to come together.”

The Hornets jumped out to a quick 30-0 lead in the first quarter and poured it on from there, logging 324 yards total offense on the night.

Latralle Griffin went 11 for 18 with 189 yards passing. AJ Bennett had six catches for 111 yards and a score and J.J. Fluker had five catches for 78 yards and a score.

Jamie Daniels led the rushing attack with 15 carries and 171 yards.

“They’re starting to play together,” Richey said of his program. “It’s exciting. I’m excited for them. I’ve got some kids out there that really want to play some football.”

The Hornet defense gave up only 56 yards total offense and Devonte Richardson recovered a fumble for a score.