By MICHAEL MINNICH
For the News-Tribune

KEYSER — The Keyser Golden Tornado, situated first in the WVSSAC Class AA rankings, scored early and often en route to a 56-6 Homecoming win over the Hampshire Trojans Friday night at Stayman Field.
Matt Wilmer rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries, all in the first half; Preston Hartman accounted for three touchdowns.
Keyser scored on the first play from scrimmage when Hartman hooked up  with John Purdy on a 37-yard touchdown pass.
The Golden Tornado doubled their cushion midway through the first quarter when Jeremy Green scored from 11 yards out.
With just over two minutes left in the first quarter, Wilmer pushed the score to 21-0 with a 3-yard touchdown run.
Keyser then scored on three consecutive plays.
Hartman and Purdy connected for a second score with 11:07 left in the second quarter, this time from 23 yards into the front left corner of the end zone on fourth-and-ten.
The KHS defense picked up the scoring slack, returning interceptions on back-to-back plays for touchdowns.
Jeremy Green scampered 40 yards with 10:49 left in the second quarter, then Hartman accounted for his third score of the day, taking the ball back 38 yards up the left side.
Hampshire finally were successful on their next possession. A punt went off the foot of a Keyser player, then backup quarterback Philip Matlick  connected with Steven Wilson for a 15-yard touchdown pass to  give the lead a light trim to 42-6.
Matt Wilmer reestablished the six touchdown cushion with a 51-yard run untouched up the right side with 4:25 left in the first half.
Taige Redman, named Homecoming King at halftime, made it three defensive touchdowns for Keyser when he returned a Matlick pass 52 yards for a score. At the half, Keyser led 56-6.
With the score out of hand, the second half was reduced to eight-minute quarters. With both teams substituting heavily, neither squad was able to score in the second half.
Redman and Kelsey Bacon were named Homecoming King and Queen at halftime; Redman, along with the other nominated football players, did not actually participate in the ceremonies so that they could focus on the game, despite leading by 50 points.
Keyser (5-1) is at Berkeley Springs next week. Hampshire (1-4) host Allegany.