WALES $ The Gardiner Area High School football team began its quest for a second consecutive Class B state title with a convincing 32-6 victory over host Oak Hill High on Saturday.

Dalton Eldridge, filling in for the injured Forrest Chadwick, rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Tigers, who held the Raiders to just four first downs and 59 net yards.

Chadwick injured his left Achilles and possibly fractured his right ring finger during a 52-yard touchdown run midway through the first period. He played sparingly in the final three quarters, but said after the game he didn't think the injuries were too serious.

"I can put up with it," he said.

Chadwick rushed for 71 yards $ all in the first quarter. Gardiner finished with 319 yards of total offense.

Peter Caradonna returned an interception for a score, as did Oak Hill senior Tim Blais.

To cap an eventful day of scoring, Jake Wright of Gardiner returned a kickoff 89 yards for a score as well.