SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock scored early and often.

It was a good way for Larry Wendereusz to get his first win as Rockets' head football coach.

“It feels good to get one under our belt,” Wendereusz said after his team's first win of the season.

The Rockets (1-3), who employed a no-huddle offense for the entire first half, ran 26 offensive plays in the first quarter to take a 21-0 lead en route to a 35-0 trouncing of Mercer.

Slippery Rock quarterback Bailey Mertens, who ran for 67 yards and threw for 71 yards, got the Rockets on the board first as he capped off an 8-play, 88- yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run just 2:15 into the game.

“Bailey has always been a good running quarterback,” Wendereusz said. “This year we've made some changes and he has taken them in stride and continues to get better.”

After a quick three-and-out by Mercer, Mertens led the Rockets on the longest drive of the game. Taking over on their own 40, Slippery Rock methodically moved the ball down the field. Fifteen plays and almost five minutes later Mertens hit Seth Slater on a 25-yard pass to put the Rockets up 14-0.

After a Mercer fumble, Slater scored his second touchdown of the game when he took a handoff and rumbled 12 yards to the endzone to conclude the first quarter scoring.

The Rockets put the game away by scoring twice in 15 seconds in the second quarter. Mertens ran seven yards for his second touchdown of the game, and Slater scored again, this time on defense, when he scooped up a Mustang fumble and raced 38 yards for the score.

“It was nice to see Seth have a breakout game,” Wendereusz said. “He has been working hard on both offense and defense.”

Slater rushed for 100 yards on 11 carries to lead the Rockets, as Slippery Rock's defense held Mercer, who was shut out for the third consecutive game, to minus-7 yards rushing and 19 total yards.

Mercer head coach Patrick McClearn is keeping a positive attitude, however.

“We just have to get back at it Monday and try and get better,” McClearn said.