Football player pulls away from a tackler
Loudonville’s Matt Sprang (13) rushes up the middle for a first down against Centerburg Friday night at the Ceneterburg Football Stadium in Centerburg. Credit: Daniel Melograna

CENTERBURG — Centerburg forced five Loudonville turnovers and took full advantage to rack up a 37-15 win on Friday night in high school football action.

Mason Turske scored on a punt return and Jesse Rings tacked on a 13-yard touchdown dash to give the Trojans a 14-0 first-quarter lead.

Those two hooked up on a 14-yard TD pass to make it 21-0 before Loudonville stemmed the tide with a safety in the second period.

Cam Beachy’s 12-yard touchdown bolt sliced the gap to 21-8 at halftime.

Matt Sprang tossed a 48-yard TD pass to Beachy to pull the Redbirds within 21-14 in the third quarter.

But Centerburg countered when Isaiah Sule caught a 25-yard TD strike from Rings to stretch the margin to 27-15.

The Trojans (2-3) then dominated the final period.

Isaiah Sule’s 15-yard touchdown dash goosed the lead to 34-15 in the fourth quarter, while Daniel LeMaster’s 25-yard field goal capped the scoring.

The Redbirds (2-3) had the advantage in total yards (252 to 194) and passing yards (150 to 86). But Loudonville’s four interceptions and a fumble gave the Trojans a huge +5 edge in the turnover department.

Sprang rushed for 90 yards to pace the ‘Birds, but Loudonville was just 3-of-14 on third-down conversions.

Sule, Blaine Ball and Rings combined to gain 113 yards rushing for the Trojans.

Centerburg is at Cardington on Friday night, while Loudonville returns home to play Danville.

I've lived in Richland County since 1990, married here, our children were born here. This is home. I have two books published on a passion topic, Ohio high school football. Others: Buckeyes, Cavs, Bengals,...