Nazareth started the Oct. 17 game against Benet in inauspicious fashion as Jackson Failla tossed an interception.

But the Roadrunners’ defense forced the Redwings to go three-and-out.

Failla and the offense then got rolling, scoring on the next three possessions. Nazareth went on to a 42-14 victory and likely ended any state playoff hopes for Benet, which dropped its fourth consecutive game.

“I know (Benet) is decimated by injuries,” Nazareth coach Tim Racki said. “They’re a little undermanned.”

After Failla’s interception on the game’s opening possession, Nazareth (7-1) scored on its next three drives largely behind a powerful running game.

Justin Watson and Dylan Wellner each scored from a yard out in the first quarter. Charles Calhoun scored from 19 yards out in the second quarter.

“We can’t pass the ball without running it well,” Failla said. “We’ve done a really nice job of running the ball all season, and tonight it really blossomed.”

The Roadrunners’ passing game got rolling as well. Failla (13-of-18, 179 yards) hit Jake Cestone for a 49-yard touchdown with 1:55 left in the half for a 28-0 lead.

“Jackson’s been playing really well. We’ve been going with him because he’s throwing it well,” Racki said.

Nazareth went back to the ground for its final two scores on consecutive drives in the third quarter. Watson (nine rushes, 65 yards) went in from 14 yards out and Calhoun (11 rushes, 99 yards) had a 3-yard TD run.

“We came out and gave it 120%,” Calhoun said. “We played our game and did the little things that matter. I can’t do anything without my offensive line.”

Calhoun’s score made it 42-0 with 6:42 left in the third quarter and necessitated a running clock for the remainder of the game.

Benet (3-5), which entered the game having several key players out with injuries, lost another one as starting quarterback Benjamin Clevinger left in the second quarter.

The Redwings, who managed only 34 yards of offense in the first half, got on the board twice in the final quarter as backup quarterback Cristiano Diomede threw for two touchdowns – eight yards to Luke Doyle and seven yards to Ben Albert.

“It was tough,” Benet coach Pat New said. “Nazareth’s a great team that’s well-coached and very talented. It’s a tough combo.”

With hopes of making the state playoffs all but over, New wants to finish the season on a high note.

“Especially the seniors, we’ve got to play our butts off that last game,” he said. “High school football is pretty special, so when you’re playing your last game, that’s significant.”

Nazareth is preparing for its regular-season finale this week at home against St. Francis, a team that’s given the Roadrunners fits recently.

“The last two years, they’ve had our number,” Racki said. “Hopefully, we’ll give them a game (this) week.”