Union Pines fell 44-0 to Cardinal Gibbons tonight in high school football action at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium.

The visiting Crusaders unleashed an early offensive onslaught to capture complete control of the nonconference contest.

3-A Cardinal Gibbons, of the Tri-Nine Conference, scored on each of its first four possessions, to take a 26-0 lead through one quarter.

Just nine seconds into the second quarter, the Crusaders found the end zone for a fifth and final time during the first half. The score came on a 22-yard run by junior tailback Benjamin Grazen.

On the night, Grazen scored three touchdowns -- twice on the ground and once a 35-yard pass reception from senior quarterback John Burton.

Burton tallied four touchdowns in the tilt, on tosses of 47, 35, 59 and 53 yards.

With the loss Union Pines' record fell to 1-2 on the season, while Cardinal Gibbons improved to 2-1.