North Callaway’s football season is starting to look special.

North Callaway didn’t have a 50-point game since 2021 going into this season but has four and three in a row after a 50-8 win Friday at Eastern Missouri Conference foe Van-Far (4-4, 3-3 EMO). The Thunderbirds (7-1, 5-0 EMO) rushed for 269 yards and threw for 188 yards while holding Van-Far to four total yards.

Head coach Kevin O’Neal said the offensive line has continued controlling the line of scrimmage to block for the offense’s several options, which gives North Callaway many ways to score. Jaiden Galbreath had 91 rushing yards and one touchdown on 12 carries, and Kellen Long had 200 total yards (112 receiving) and four touchdowns (three rushing). Coltyn O’Neal threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 10-for-13 passing.

“We’re getting our passing game going,” O’Neal said. “The eight points that they scored (in the first quarter) was on a pick-six. The offense is getting everything going at the right time.”

O’Neal said his current team ranks up there with the other offenses he has had. The first comparable one that comes to mind is the program’s most recent district championship team in 2017 that averaged 42.9 points per game. This year’s Thunderbirds are averaging 42.5 points per game and have a string of three 50-point games for the first time since 2016.

“It’s definitely one of the best offenses I’ve had since that year we won districts and went up and played Clark County and lost (in the state quarterfinals),” O’Neal said. “That offense was mainly built around (running back) Adam Reno. This offense, we’ve got several guys that could have a 100-yard rushing night.”

O’Neal said this group of players has had multiple years to grow accustomed to the offense and each other. One exception is the senior transfer Long.

Long came from Butler, where he played quarterback, along with his father and new activities director and assistant coach Dale Long. O’Neal said Kellen Long is an experienced football player who obviously brings the physical component, but the mental can’t be overlooked.

“He understands offenses and sees the field really well,” O’Neal said. “His vision is really good and has an understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish. Him and Coltyn have developed a good connection in the passing game. Coltyn feels comfortable throwing him the ball and Kellen makes plays.”

On defense, Collin Moore led with eight tackles and two tackles for loss, Wyatt Haden had five tackles and one tackle for loss, and Galbreath had a blocked punt and sack. O’Neal said North Callaway played “fast and downhill,” which worked well against Van-Far, who can run well up the middle, and didn’t allow a point for the third straight week.

“Defensively, we’ve made a lot of big strides the last couple weeks,” O’Neal said. “Our defensive coordinator, Jordan Delashmutt, and our defensive staff with Ronnie Kimbley and Chris Moore focus on the defensive side of the ball and are in right now sitting and watching film to get ready for next week. They have a passion for the game, and it comes across to our kids.”

North Callaway has earned a shot at an outright conference title when it hosts Wright City (6-2, 4-1 EMO) at 7 p.m. Friday. Last year’s meeting was a 46-42 North Callaway win.

“That’s one of our goals to begin the year: to win a conference championship,” O’Neal said. “That’s the first goal we want to accomplish.”