WEST MEMPHIS --- The Trench, Marion's eager student section, clapped and flung baby powder and joyously sang "M-A-R-I-O-N what" in the waning moments of their Patriots' 33-3 victory Friday night at Hamilton-Shultz Field. The powder and words quickly faded into the atmosphere, as did Marion's 18-game losing streak to West Memphis. Marion (2-2 overall, 1-0 6A-East) outgained West Memphis (1-3, 0-1) 301-109 in total yards. The Patriot defense forced a pair of turnovers and registered five sacks as Marion toppled West Memphis for the first time in series history, which began in 1979 and has been played every year since 2006. "I felt like our defense would have a pretty good chance to play well at West Memphis," said first-year Marion coach Lance Clark. "I really liked the energy all of our guys competed with." Marion senior quarterback Ben Gerrard completed eight of 13 passes for 179 yards and three touchdown tosses, two going to junior receiver Donnie Cheers, who snagged three passes for 66 yards. Senior Kaleb Catt caught a slant and raced 52 yards for a score. Senior tailback Cam Anderson carried 28 times for 127 yards and a score. Defensively, Brian Weatherspoon, Kyjuan Rodgers, Jeremiah Nichols, Johnny Nichols and Trent Knighten accounted for Marion's five sacks. It was the second time this season Marion held an opponent to less than 200 yards of offense. Rodgers' sack accounted for the first score of the game when Marion's senior leader tackled West Memphis QB Bryson Jenkins in the end zone for a safety with 5:42 left in the first quarter. The Marion offense found its footing on the ensuing possession when Gerrard found Cheers streaking behind the West Memphis secondary for a 50-yard scoring strike. Senior Dylan Pieri's extra point gave Marion a 9-0 lead, which doubled as the score after the first quarter. The Pats penetrated the West Memphis red zone early in the second stanza when a low snap got away from Gerrard and was recovered by the Blue Devils. But senior linebacker Donavin Brewer intercepted Brandon Peters' third-down pass attempt at the West Memphis 9-yard line. Anderson scored on the Pats' first snap following the turnover for a 16-0 lead. West Memphis penetrated Marion territory for the first time two drives later before Marion senior defensive lineman Johnny Nichols forced a Blue Devil fumble that Rodgers recovered. Gerrard wasted no time cashing in the turnover as he connected with Catt on a slant. The Marion senior receiver made two Blue Devils miss and outran everyone to the end zone for a 23-0 bulge. The Blue Devils drove 80 yards in 17 plays on their final possession of the first half and the hosts dented the scoreboard on a 30-yard field goal by Luke Smith. Marion led 23-3 at halftime. Marion assisted the West Memphis drive by committing three penalties for 45 yards, including one on third down. Marion allowed just four first downs in the first half. Catt extended Marion's first drive of the second half with a 17-yard reception down to the West Memphis 2-yard line. The Pats hit paydirt on the next play when Gerrard found a tip-toeing Cheers in the back of the end zone for a 2-yard TD reception and a 30-3 Marion advantage. Pieri booted a 15-yard field goal on Marion's next drive to set the 33-3 final. "We wanted to play field position when we could and make with some pop plays when they presented themselves," said Clark. "We needed to control the energy and tempo of the ballgame and I thought we did that." Marion travels to play defending 6A East champion Sylvan Hills at 7 p.m. on Friday night. The Patriots have won three of the last four meetings with the Bears, including Sylvan Hills' only league loss last season. That contest will be streamed on Marionpatriots.com and on the Marion Patriots Activities Network mobile app.