ONTONAGON — Beau Rondeau threw for four touchdowns and scored on a 70-yard kickoff return, leading the Superior Central Cougars to a 58-26 football victory over the Ontonagon Gladiators.

One of his passes took place 16 seconds before halftime, a 22-yarder to his brother Jack, giving the Cougars a 28-6 halftime cushion in the Great Lakes Eight crossover contest. They also combined on a 32-yard TD aerial for a 44-20 advantage late in the third quarter.

The Cougars (2-1) were up 36-6 early in the third following a 28-yard dash by Roubens Fink.

Ontonagon (1-2), however, scored on its next two possessions to pull within 36-20 with an onside kick recovery setting up its third TD.

“We were concerned the momentum would change once they got the onside kick, but Beau’s touchdown pass to Jack seemed to change everything for the rest of the game,” said Cougars’ coach Sam Eggleston. “Beau got hit early in the game and had some leg issues. His mobility was a problem and they started to blitz real hard. Beau started slower than we wanted, but he stated to feel better once his legs warmed up.”

Beau Rondeau ran 12 times for 152 yards and converted 6-of-11 passes for 185. Fink added 125 yards and two TDs on 10 carries and freshman Zach Bukowksi had an 80-yard TD dash.

“We had some injuries,” said Eggleston. “Roubens was on the sideline most of the first half and into the third quarter. We had to make some adjustments and run the ball a little differently.”

The Cougars finished with 616 yards in total offense, including 431 on the ground.

Noah Groulx led the Cougars’ defense with 13 tackles. Beau Rondeau had an interception and Jack Rondeau recovered a fumble.

The Cougars host Brimley Sept. 15.