ONTARIO, Ohio – Danville’s Ridge Durbin gave Ontario all it could handle and more Friday night at Copeland Field.
The 6-foot-3,242-pound senior quarterback was responsible for six touchdowns in a little more than a half of play, leading his Blue Devils to a 43-0 victory over the Warriors.
“I just have to thank the line and the receivers for getting open,” Durbin said. “And I have to thank coach (Ed Honabarger) for putting together a good game plan – he’s always got us prepared and ready to play.”
Despite the rain, which fell the entire game, Durbin racked up 226 yards and three scores with his arm, while adding 76 yards and three scores with his feet for the Blue Devils (3-0).
“Being a three-year starter, he’s seen everything and has been through all the scenarios,” coach Honabarger said of Durbin. “It’s just easy with whatever types of looks we get, he can make little adjustments on the run.”
The assault started on Danville’s first possession, in which it put together a five-play, 64-yard drive, capped with a 46-yard pass from Durbin to Cal Honabarger.
“I didn’t really have to do much – it was a just a little short pass,” Durbin said of the scoring play. “I got out there and blocked, and [Cal Honabarger] took it the rest of the way.”
Danville followed with a two-point conversion to go up 8-0 and never looked back, scoring on five of its six ensuing drives.
In all, the Blue Devils totaled 364 yards. Kenton Mickley grabbed six receptions for 140 yards – 69 of which came on a TD pass from Durbin at the start of the third quarter. Cal Honabarger also snagged four catches for 80 yards and two trips to the end zone.
GROWING PAINS: Ontario (0-3) struggled to gain any momentum in the game, putting up just 62 yards of total offense.
“Danville is a very aggressive defense, and we knew that coming in,” Ontario coach Scott Kreger said. “They just absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage and shut our offense down, and we weren’t able to do anything efficiently.”
To his point, the Warriors had -3 yards on the ground after the first half of play. They finished with 16.
“They were just a lot more physical than we were up front,” Kreger said.
QB Alex Vrendenburgh managed 46 yards passing on the night.
Going forward, Kreger said his team needs to get back to blocking and tackling.
“Those two things are what are going to win or lose you games,” he said. “We’ve got kids who need to step up and play at the varsity level on Friday nights so we can be successful.”
TRIBUTE TO AMERICA: In addition to football, Ontario honored the uniformed men and women who serve the country Friday night.
Among the scheduled activities, the Warriors donned special blue digital camouflage jerseys during the game, while fans were able to purchase and wear patriotic Ontario shirts for themselves.
Before the game, a moment silence was given to remember those who lost their lives during the 9-11 terrorist attacks 14 years ago.
Then at halftime, the Warrior Band performed an American-themed routine, which included the stadium lights turning off and fireworks going up for the finale.
The second half of the game was slightly delayed after the lights malfunctioned, keeping players and fans in the dark for a brief time.
UP NEXT: Danville looks to continue its undefeated season next week while it hosts Claymont.
“The best thing we can do is just keep getting better,” coach Honabarger said. “We have to have good practices, which we have been having.”
With stout senior leadership – 16 in all – it makes it a little easier, he added.
The Warriors will seek out their first win at Tiffin Columbian.
“Danville is a very aggressive defense, and we knew that coming in,” Ontario coach Scott Kreger said. “They just absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage and shut our offense down.”
