Brunswick School played The Hun School to a near standstill in the first half, but host Hun pulled away in the second half of Saturday’s football game in Princeton, N.J., posting a 31-14 win.

The Bruins began the game in impressive fashion, scoring a touchdown on the game’s first possession. Senior quarterback Danny Lauter threw a touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Jason Agudelo, then Wells Faulstich kicked the extra point, giving Brunswick a 7-0 lead.

“To open a game and right away drive down and score, that was a big positive,” Bruins coach Mike Hannigan said. “We did get the edge in the run game that one time and Danny Lauter throwing with a passing touchdown on that drive was impressive.”

Hun tied the score at 7-7 with a long scoring drive, ignited by its effective running attack. The home team took a 10-7 edge into halftime by converting a field goal with 1:30 remaining in the second quarter.

“They really established their running game and converted some key third downs,” Hannigan said. “We stalled on a couple of drives in the second quarter.”

Brunswick trailed 17-7 after the third quarter, then Hun added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

“They scored on two passing touchdowns,” Hannigan said. “Both of them were on play action. They established a ground game and forced us to put two safeties in the box.”

The Bruins second score of the matchup came in the fourth quarter. Senior running back Chris Gaine Brunswick in scoring position with a long run. Then Khalil Eason reached the end zone on a run in the final quarter.

“Hun is built to run the ball, so once they were able to establish their ground game and have long, grinding drives, that’s when their game plan came true for them,” Hannigan said. “They executed really well in the run game, they have a big offensive line, three backs and their quarterback extended plays and used his feet.”

Still, the Bruins put forth a solid effort against their formidable foe from New Jersey.

“Our defensive line was great, our linebackers filled gaps and our safeties came downhill and tackled as well,” Hannigan said. “Our team was gang tackling and pursuing to the football. The kids showed great effort and competitiveness.”

Brunswick’s home-opener is against Suffield Academy on Saturday.