Holy Family launched the 2008 season with a formidable ground game that resulted in a 28-7 victory Thursday over Minneapolis South.

John Westerhaus and Colin King each had just eight rushing attempts in the game, but each gained more than 100 yards. Jay Roane had nine carries, and gained 92 yards.

Westerhaus scored the Fire’s first points on a 41-yard rush in the first quarter.

Brenden Hamrick scored two touchdowns in the game, the first on a second-quarter fumble recovery in the end zone following a King run, and the second a 7-yarder in the fourth quarter.

The two scores and two extra points by sophomore kicker Jeff Soule had the Fire up 14-0 at halftime.

South got on the board in the third quarter, but the Fire closed the game with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns.

King hauled in a 41-yard pass from quarterback Zack Rockers, and also snagged a two-point pass for the final points.

Matt Rasmussen and Tony Bauer led the Fire defense with 11 tackles apiece, with Jay Roane racking up nine. Rasmussen and Jared Wimmer each intercepted a pass, and Pat Balius recovered a fumble.

The Fire now dive into Minnesota River Conference play with a home game at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 against Sibley East.