The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes displayed a balanced offensive attack en route to a convincing 57-0 non-conference win in their home opener against the Berne Union Rockets Friday night.
The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on nine of their 10 drives, mixing a dominant running game with a precise passing attack.
Following a pregame tribute to victims of the 9/11 attacks, the Buckeyes wasted no time getting on the board.
The home team’s Dustin Young started the game with a kickoff return to Nelsonville’s 46-yard line. The Buckeyes then drove 54 yards in less than four minutes, capping the drive with a touchdown run by Young.
After Berne Union went three and out, Coach Dave Boston’s team decided to open up their passing game with a play action-pass from Nathan Dean to Kyle Freer to the Berne Union 27-yard line.
On the next play, the duo struck again, with Dean finding Freer streaking across the right side of the field for a touchdown.
The Buckeyes then operated at will, mixing deep play-action passes with off-tackle runs to Young and Jacob Perkins.
Defensively, Nelsonville-York’s larger front seven repeatedly shut down the Rockets’ option runs with swarming coverage and big hits. Berne Union’s offense finished the first half with 77 yards.
The Rockets once again struggled to move the ball in the second half, as the Nelsonville-York defensive line continuously swallowed up Berne Union runners. With the Buckeye starters resting, younger players on both sides of the ball were given a chance to gain some varsity experience.
Buckeye senior co-captain Dustin Young led the way offensively for the team, scoring four touchdowns on 10 carries for 202 yards.
Nelsonville-York finished the night with 490 total yards on offense. Dean finished 10 of 11 for 189 yards, with 2 touchdowns. Freer caught 5 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Jacob Perkins added two touchdown runs.
With the win, the Buckeyes move to 3-0. The team travels to Columbus next Friday for a match-up with the Bishop Ready Silver Knights. The Rockets dropped to 0-3 with the loss.
nc606411@ohiou.edu
