Jay Compton|Daily News Middlesboro running back Parker Uhl slips past a Pineville lineman during action in the SEKC Gridorama this preseason. Uhl and all the Jacket running backs had a big night Friday in a 59-26 rout at Hancock County, Tenn.

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SNEEDVILLE, Tenn. — The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets took care of business Friday night, jumping out to 53-0 lead after three quarters and holding on for a 59-26 win at Hancock County.

The Jackets dominated the game up front and all of their running backs were able to take advantage in the rout.

“In the first half we played extremely well and kept that up until about midway through the third quarter when we pulled just about all of our first and second team guys,” said MHS coach Randy Frazier. “It was good for our younger guys to get some experience, they did let them score some points there at the end. Overall we played a lot better than last week.”

Middlesboro got two interceptions from Donnie Foister and one from Cole Frazier on the defensive end. Foister, Seth Barton, Jake Brock, Parker Uhl and Ryan Pittman all had at least one touchdown in the game.

“A bunch of different guys scored in the game,” Frazier said. “I think it was extremely important after being held out of the end zone last week for the guys to experience some success. That will give us confidence for the rest of the season.”

The Jackets rested starting quarterback Major Edwards, who was nursing some sore ribs. They also limited the playing time of linemen Tyler Prater and Matt Schneider.

Frazier added that it was important for his team to use this week to improve.

“We did that, but we’re still not there. This game went kind of like we expected, but we’re not where we need to be and we won’t be there until we get to district play. That’s what these games are for: to get better and to get you ready for the district games,” he said. “You know, we had a decent showing in the Gridorama and we’re seeing now that Pineville is pretty good. We laid a bit of an egg last week so the kids needed this game.”

Middlesboro (1-1) visits Bell County next week for the City/County Bowl. The late game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m., but it will probably be a little later than that with kickoff coming about 30 minutes after the end of the Pineville-Wiliamsburg game which starts at 6 p.m.