The Southland football team opened its season in dominant fashion as it rolled Wabasha/Kellogg 48-0 on the road Friday.

The Rebels (1-0 overall, 1-0 Three Rivers) racked up 323 yards on the ground as they overcame three red zone turnovers in the win.

“I was very nervous before the game, because we’re a new team this year,” Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy said. “Ben Wolterman, Tyler Kressin, Nick Schmitz and Mike Goergen all ran phenomenal.”

The defense stepped up to the occasion as they delivered their first shutout under the guidance of Kennedy, who is entering his sixth year. Jake Frodl picked off two passes for a defense that forced five turnovers.

“It was a great team win,” Kennedy said.

Southland rushing: Tyler Kressin, 3-for-81, TD; Mike Goergen, 5-for-69; Ben Wolterman, 8-for-64, TD; Coty Kirtz, 7-for-47; Nick Schmitz, 5-for-39, TD; Decker Bendtsen, 5-for-28; Isaac Kloeckner, 1-for-11; Adam Koenigs, 1-for-5

Southland passing: Bendtsen, 3-for-4, 56, 2 TD; Jake Frodl, 1-for-2, 8, TD

Southland receiving: Goergen, 4-for-68, 3 TD