Seniors were the key for Window Rock as the Fighting Scouts blanked the Wingate, New Mexico Bears, 48-0, as the two nearby schools renewed its interstate rivalry in a gridiron season opener at Judd Avey Memorial Stadium in Fort Defiance.

Seniors Naataah Chief, Joey Begay and Jason Yazzie turned in a stellar offensive and defensive performance for the Fighting Scouts.

Utlizing his speed, running back/defensive back Chief scored three touchdowns, including a 32-yard run, a 4-yard pass and a returned a 36-yard pass interception.

Quarterback Begay threw for three touchdown passes. Begay connected with Yazzie, Chief and Shawney Sam for scores.

Yazzie, another Fighting Scouts speedster, scored a rushing touchdown.

Window Rock head coach Wilbur Begay said Chief, Begay and Yazzie stepped up to assume the leadership role.

"Naataah (Chief), Joey (Begay) and Jason (Yazzie) all played an outstanding game," Begay said. "The three were our leaders tonight."

Yazzie began the scoring, entering paydirt from 12-yards in the first quarter.

Yazzie added his second touchdown of the game in the second quarter, hauling in a 12-yard pass from Begay. Chief scampered into the end zone on a 32-yard run in the second stanza, as the Fighting Scouts held a 20-0 halftime lead.

Begay stepped up in the spotlight in the third quarter. Begay threw a touchdown pass to Chief and hit Sam with a scoring strike, as Window Rock took a 42-0 advantage.

With a running clock in the fourth quarter, Window Rock inserted its reserves.

The Fighting Scouts tallied its final touchdown of the contest, when sophomore Caden Bia dashed 42-yards.

Fighting Scouts head coach Begay cited his defense for outstanding play.

"Our defense played strong," Begay said. "Caleb (Dickson), defensive lineman, Shawney Sam, linebacker, Tyler Thomas, linebacker, and Trenton Francisco, strong safety, anchored the defense. They were all outstanding."

Window Rock, 1-0, will be on the road this Friday, taking on the Globe Tigers, 0-1, at 7 p.m. Globe dropped a 22-6 decision to the Alchesay Falcons this past Friday.

"It was a good, opening season win," Begay said about the Fighting Scouts. "We have to keep improving on both sides of the ball. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Globe will be a tough opponent."