A powerful Verbena ground game pummeled visiting St. Bernard on Friday as the hosts won the preseason exhibition game, 40-6.

The Red Devils scored five touchdowns and converted two-point conversions each time.

Verbena led 16-0 at the end of the first quarter, 24-0 at halftime and 40-0 at the end of the third quarter.

Verbena scored on each of its first three possessions before it began substituting in reserves.

The rushing attack was responsible for most of the damage. The Devils racked up 373 yards on 44 carries.

Kelly Lucas ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. His brother, Bay Lucas, didn’t have as many yards but compiled the highest average per rush by churning out 60 yards on two carries.

Dustin Short carried the football 10 times for 69 yards and one touchdown. Both Christian Coston and Kelly Dorsett accounted for two 2-point conversions.

Quarterback Brad Boswell connected with Kelly Lucas for the other 2-point conversion.

Verbena begins its season by visiting county foe Thorsby at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28.