Port Clinton looks to open new era on home turf

Port Clinton hopes the excitement surrounding its first game that counts on the new turf at Bassett’s Field at renovated True Lay Stadium corresponds to the kickoff of a new era of football.

The Redskins’ players intend to give the community plenty of reasons to remain engaged, starting with Rossford on Friday.

“We’re excited because it’s probably going to be the most fans we’ve had at Port Clinton in a long time,” Redskins quarterback Brandon Moore said. “We want to give them a show and show them what all the talk’s been about.”

The anticipation might have heightened for some with Port Clinton’s 63-0 shutout of Woodmore in Week 1. The Redskins, however, have bigger plans.

“You can’t hang your hat on one game,” Port Clinton defensive lineman Russell Demarco said. “We treat every week like it’s the postseason. Every week is important. Go out and do what we do best playing hard and physical. We’re not the old Port Clinton. We want to build a legacy.”

Danbury wastes no time

Danbury defeated Whitney Young 32-8 last week to earn Keith Mora his first victory in his first game as head coach.

“We needed to get that first win to get into things and get that confidence up,” Lakers receiver John Rhodes said. “It gives us some pride. Once we get that first win … we’ve bought into the program and we’ll compete.”

Rhodes caught five passes for 103 yards and three touchdowns last week. Quarterback Justin Tibbels completed 21 of 28 passes for 201 yards and three scores as he takes over at quarterback full-time.

“We’ve been working to have good chemistry,” Rhodes said. “He found us. We were able to get our routes down. We’re getting into a rhythm. He does a good job finding us. He’s consistent with his throws. If we’re open, he’ll get it to us. He has a lot of talent.

“Our passing game is something we can carry forward.”

Jared Koenig had eight catches while Dylan Harris added three for Danbury. The Lakers plan to spread things out and play at a fast pace on offense.

“It’s kind of like basketball,” Rhodes said. “We want to snap the ball as soon as the last play is over.”

Rossford (0-1) at Port Clinton (1-0)

Rossford returns five starters on offense and seven on defense from a team that won four games last season. Running back Erik Davis rushed for 888 yards and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Chase Baney was first-team all-Northern Buckeye Conference at receiver while Travis Szczublewski was a first-team linebacker. Davis rushed 10 times for 83 yards and two scores and caught six passes for 149 yards and one touchdown in last week’s 28-25 setback to Bowling Green. Baney completed 12 of 23 passes for 299 yards and two scores, but Rossford surrendered a lead. Brandon Moore threw touchdown passes to Aidan Rospert and Nathan Stubblefield and ran for one score in the Redskins’ 63-0 shutout of Woodmore last week. Emerson Lowe rushed for two touchdowns. “Starting our season with a defensive shutout was amazing,” Lowe said. “I’m excited by the play of our defensive line and linebackers. Those guys put a ton of pressure on the quarterback and completely shut down the Woodmore running game. When our guys in the box are playing that well it gives our defensive backs a shot at making big plays. We feed off each other and it’s a lot of fun.” Port Clinton defeated Rossford 47-14 last season in a game played over two days because of lightning. The Redskins intercepted three early passes and scored five touchdowns without allowing any points in the first half. Lowe rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Danbury (1-0) at Toledo Woodward (1-0)

Woodward returns four starters on offense and three on defense from a team that won one game last season. Quarterback Burrow Alexander rushed for 173 yards and two scores and passed for 92 yards in Woodward’s 44-6 victory over Cardinal Stritch last week. Vedel Williams rushed for three touchdowns. Tre’von Edwards is an option at receiver and Sheldon Davis is dangerous on special teams. Woodward also has a first-year coach who plans to space the field on offense. Tibbels rushed for 88 yards and two scores and added eight tackles last week. Sam Tyson had 18 carries and five catches while adding two tackles for a loss on defense. Danbury beat Woodward 21-6 last season as it allowed 103 yards, including 30 on the ground on 32 carries. The Lakers had 192 yards on the ground.

mhorn@gannett.com

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