From the start of the 148th meeting between the two neighboring Ohio River rivals, the Dayton Greendevils (3-4 overall) dominated both lines of scrimmage and used their depth to squash the host Bellevue Tigers (0-7), 46-0. Dayton has won three straight in the “Battle for the Paddle” series outscoring Bellevue, 90-7 in the last two meetings.
“It’s something we’ve been working on the entire season,” said Jesse Herbst, Dayton head coach. “It’s a small team. We don’t have a lot of depth. The third and fourth quarter has been a problem for us all year long. We just keep trying to play hard longer and get better each week. But we’re very excited for our guys. We have a great squad and our guys were flying to the ball.”
Dayton lists 33 players on its roster on the Kentucky High School Athletic Association web site while Bellevue lists just 20. Herbst recalled the Dayton numbers for all four grades being even smaller when he and his staff took over a number of years ago.
The Greendevils outgained the Tigers, 331-6 in total offense unofficially including a 291 to negative-2 advantage on the ground. The Dayton defense consistently disrupted the Bellevue backfield and made a number of roles for the skill position players. A number of freshmen start for the young Tigers.
“It was a fight through and through,” said Joseph Powers, Dayton senior lineman. “There were a couple plays where it was not there. But we’ll do whatever we need to do to get it done. Our main thing in the off-season was the weight room. We lift as much as we can. That’s the reason we dominate guys.”
Dayton senior running back Landyn Hopper led the way going over 1,000 yards rushing on the season with 172 yards on 15 carries and four touchdowns Friday night. Senior running back Dylan Davis had a 52-yard touchdown run and junior Mason Johnson added five carries for 41 yards and one touchdown for the Greendevils.
“The trust (with the offensive linemen) was there. I’ve been playing with these guys for four years now,” Hopper said. “These guys have always blocked for me. They just came out and did their thing. We did our thing and the scoreboard showed it. We’ve been working on trust since Coach Herbst came here. All of us have gained his trust. He’s gained all of our trust.”
Dayton did not need to throw the ball much but senior quarterback Russell McIntyre did complete one pass to sophomore Chad Nickell for 40 yards. The Greendevils ran a variety of sweeps and misdirection plays at the Tigers.
Dayton also won the special teams battles. Their average starting field position was the Bellevue 40.
“That’s what we wanted to come out here and do,” Dayton sophomore lineman Mason Fromeyer said. “We felt if we could do that, we’d control the entire tempo of the game, hold them down on points and ultimately win the game. We just get better every day.”
Dayton hit the running clock in the second quarter building a 38-0 halftime lead. The teams then played two eight-minute quarters in the second half.
“Defensively, we’re a force,” McIntyre said. “I believe we’ve given up three touchdowns in the first half this season. Everyone is fast on the offense. It’s hard to beat speed. You can’t teach it.”
Bellevue had some positives to build on winning the turnover battle, 2-1. Tigers junior linebacker Jackson Day recovered a Dayton fumble at its own 3 in the first quarter and the Tigers picked off a Dayton pass in its end zone in the second quarter. Simpson recorded a pick for the Greendevils.
“The biggest disappointment is not the score. It was our lack of discipline in the game,” said Dave Brausch, first-year Bellevue head coach. “We had two (unsportsmanlike conduct) penalties. We had some kids lose their minds. You have to keep your focus. We had a couple big plays. We’ve been trying to build on them all year. Sooner or later, we have to take the next step. That’s what’s frustrating.”
Dayton plays host to Newport Central Catholic (6-1) on Friday at 7 p.m. Bellevue plays host to Ludlow (2-5) on Friday at the same time.
Box Score
Dayton 22 16 8 0 – 46
Bellevue 0 0 0 0 – 0
First Quarter
Dayton (10:41) – Landyn Hopper, 8 run (Hopper run).
Dayton (3:47) – Hopper, 17 run (run failed).
Dayton (:58) – Dylan Davis, 52 run (Hopper run).
Second Quarter
Dayton (8:01) – Mason Johnson, 1 run (Hopper run).
Dayton (7:28) – Hopper, 24 run (Davis run).
Third Quarter
Dayton (4:00) – Hopper, 26 run (Russell McIntyre run).