Athol football coach Josh Talbot couldn’t have scripted a better start to the season for his squad. 

Taking 0n Murdock in their season opener, the Bears came out flying and dominated the first half to take a 48-0 lead into the intermission. 

Athol ended up cruising to a 48-16 victory in Winchendon. 

Aidan Melanson threw three touchdown passes, connected with Raydin Sousa for a 45-yard score, Ethan Goodwin for a 15-yard touchdown and Logan Cormier for a 30-yard score. 

Hayden Barrieau found the end zone twice on the ground, one an 80-yard run in the first quarter, while Cormier ran in a 35-yard touchdown. 

Logan McGrath returned an interception for a touchdown while Ben Kearney was 6-for-6 on extra points in the triumph. 

Athol will look to stay rolling when it takes on Pathfinder on the road next Friday.