The Dragons were expected to be challenged by a talented Knights team, but it was Adrian that dominated play during its 2000 home opener.
Adrian compiled 338 yards and 18 first downs while limiting R-T-R to 128 yards and four first downs during a convincing win.
"We played really well," said Dragon coach Randy Strand. "R-T-R is supposed to be one of the top dogs in our conference. Our kids stepped up and played pretty well against them."
The passing efficiency of quarterback Mark Kroon and relentless running by Tyler Bullerman led Adrian's offensive unit during the game.
Kroon completed nine of 11 passes and tossed for two touchdowns in the contest. Bullerman carried the ball a staggering 32 times for 137 yards.
With the Dragon defense blanking R-T-R through the first three quarters, all the pieces were in place for a convincing victory.
Adrian scored 19 first-half points to take control of the game.
After losing the ball due to a questionable fumble during its first offensive possession of the game, AHS scored three consecutive touchdowns to dampen the spirit of R-T-R.
The Dragons gained a 6-0 lead when Kroon hooked up with Brad Lonneman for a six-yard touchdown pass during a third down situation late in the first quarter. The ensuing attempt for an extra point sailed wide left of the uprights.
A pair of second-quarter touchdowns increased Adrian's lead to 19-0.
Bullerman carried in his first of two touchdowns when he found the end zone from three yards away. Kroon's attempt to run for a two-point conversion came up short.
The Dragon quarterback got some revenge when he tossed his second touchdown pass of the game late in the first half.
Lonneman, who latched onto six receptions for 77 yards during the game, hauled in a seven-yard strike from Kroon for his second touchdown. Levi Bullerman's extra point made the difference 19-0.
The score remained 19-0 until both teams produced fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Adrian extended its lead to 25-0 after Bullerman scored on a three-yard plunge.
R-T-R trimmed the difference to 19 when Brett Serreyn found the end zone from eight yards away late in the contest.
Adrian's drive for a second consecutive LSC title will be put on hold this week as the Dragons travel to Jackson to take on the Jackson County Central Huskies tomorrow.
JCC takes a 2-0 record into tomorrow's tilt after rolling to a 38-0 victory in Redwood Falls Friday.
JCC is one of two teams that beat Adrian during the 1999 campaign.
Team statistics
Adrian: 228 rushing yards, 110 passing yards, 338 total yards, 18 first downs, four penalties for 40 yards, three turnovers.
R-T-R: 112 rushing yards, 16 passing yards, 128 total yards, four first downs, one penalty for five yards, one turnover.