HANCOCK — For one half Thursday evening, it was a typical L’Anse-Hancock football game.

The Bulldogs held a slim 7-0 lead at the intermission at McAfee Field as both defenses were dominant in the season opener.

But the Bulldogs relied on their stout defense to halt any offensive thrusts by the Hornets on the way to a 21-0 West PAC Copper Division victory.

Junior back Austin Salani made the major difference in a hard-hitting game. He rushed for more than 140 yards, scored twice and recorded a pair of interceptions.

LHS coach Mark Leaf said it’s difficult to contain players like Colton Salani, the Hancock quarterback, and Austin Salani.

“They’re the kind of players who can hurt you in so many ways,” Leaf said. “But I thought we did a good job for the most part.”

L’Anse appeared ready to get right back into things when it marched to the Hancock 25-yard line late in the third quarter with 13 straight runs.

The running of senior tailback Jonah Dowd, who picked up 79 yards, and Dysean Allen keyed the drive.

But the Bulldogs turned back three straight LHS passes to halt the momentum.

Leaf liked the running power shown by Dowd and Allen.

“We’ll need that kind of play next week at Houghton,” Leaf said.