By Tim Mastro

SMYRNA — A short week proved to be no problem for the Smyrna High football team.

If anything, it allowed the Eagles to rebound quicker.

Four different players scored touchdowns and Smyrna’s defense earned a shutout in a 40-0 victory over Caesar Rodney High in a Class 3A matchup Thursday night. Smyrna improved to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in 3A.

It was the Eagles’ first shutout since Oct. 18, 2019.

“We were prepared and we flew to the ball,” said sophomore linebacker Cole Moyer, who had an interception and a pair of sacks. “We played like a bunch of maniacs. We played fast and physical like Smyrna does.”

“Putting a shutout on the board was really important to them,” said Smyrna coach Mike Judy of his defense. “I’m proud of their hunger.”

Smyrna only had two days of full practices before its first Thursday game of the year.

The Eagles were a little beat up after a loss in a physical game last Friday against rival Middletown, Judy said. They made some adjustments in their preparation this week and Judy liked how his team responded.

“You can’t beat the heck out of your kids in a short week and we didn’t, this reinforces that,” Judy said. “Secondly, mental toughness and the ability to be mentally prepared for a game is critical in a short week. We had some guys out with various injuries and the guys who stepped in were mentally prepared.”

Cameron Edge and the Knight brothers, Wayne and Yamir, provided the bulk of the offense for Smyrna.

Edge got the scoring started with a 25-yard touchdown throw to Devin DeMoe in the first quarter as Wayne Knight added the two-point conversion. It ended up being the only score for Smyrna in the first quarter before the Eagles recorded three touchdowns in the second quarter for a 32-0 halftime lead.

Wayne Knight provided a pair of touchdowns, one on a 50-yard pass from Edge in the second quarter and another 51-yard rush in the third. He was also a perfect 5-5 on his two-point conversion rushes.

Yamir Knight hauled in a 63-yard touchdown catch from Edge. Edge also scored on a quarterback sneak from a yard out during the 24-point second quarter.

“We got better as the game went on,” Judy said. “Hats off to my offensive staff, they’ve been doing a great job.”