Peacock quarterback Sawyer Buettner dives into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown on Saturday against the Vanier Vikings at Gutheridge Field.

The Vanier Vikings put up a good fight, but in the end, the Peacock Tornadoes were too much in Moose Jaw High School Football League action on Saturday afternoon.

Peacock improved to 3-0 on the year with a 45-26 win over the Vanier Vikings, who are much better than their 0-3 record indicates.

After some slow starts to games this year, Peacock was able to build up a 24-7 first half lead on the Vikings and held off a second half charge that included three touchdowns for Vanier.

“I was happier with our start this week, it was nice to get out of the gate right away,” said Peacock head coach Blake Buettner. “They looked more comfortable today, they just looked more comfortable with what we're doing on offence and defence.”

Peacock quarterback Sawyer Buettner looked especially comfortable in the pocket during the game as he was able to orchestrate a couple of lengthy touchdown drives for the Tornadoes.

Buettner finished 16-of-21 passing for 281 yards with three touchdowns. He also ran seven times for 30 yards and a touchdown to cap off a strong day for the senior quarterback.

“We started good with our first drive,” said Sawyer. “It's all about play calling, just knowing our routes and doing them at the correct yards and distances.”

The key to Peacock's attack was the ability to spread the ball around as Buettner hit six different receivers in the game. Lane Bossence led the way with 64 yards on three catches, while Austin Taylor, 58 yards, and Chase Griffin, 51 yards, each had four catches.

Griffin started the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run on Peacock's opening drive of the game.

Running back Kyle Arndt had a big game with 15 carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

“It's all the o-line, they open up whole and they give me time,” said Buettner.

Vanier hung with Peacock throughout the first half and despite the 24-7 score at the break, the game could have easily been a one score game without a few costly errors for the Vikings.

“We went out there and played our hearts out,” said Vanier receiver Rylan Blacklaws. “If we clean up our defence, that's a completely different game out there.”

Blacklaws finished with three catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Wingenbach had a big day for the Vikings, hauling in six passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

“We just need to fix up our mistakes,” said Blacklaws. “Some guys are still learning new spots out there and we've just got to get our assignments and execute them.”

Quarterback Matt Stefanovic had his most consistent game for the Vikings as he finished 10-of-14 for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Vanier gave back-up Ryan Stefanovic some playing time late in the game and he completed 4-of-5 for 76 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass and run to Wingenbach.

Although Vanier remains winless on the year, they're coming away from Saturday's contest with confidence in their game as they continue to build each week.

“We're going to come out flying next game, that's for sure,” Blacklaws said. “We want the win.”

Peacock returns to the field on Friday for a first place battle with the Raiders in Yorkton. The Raiders improved to 3-0 with a 55-17 win over Weyburn on Saturday.

Vanier will search for their first win on Saturday when they host the Weyburn Eagles at Gutheridge Field.

Other action on Saturday had Central pulling out a 29-27 overtime win against the Estevan Elecs.