LOUDONVILLE — A year after scoring just 72 points the entire season, Loudonville nearly matched that total in a single night.

On the first play from scrimmage Friday, sophomore Collin Caley sprinted 45 yards to the end zone, sparking a 60–0 rout of Mapleton on a hot and humid opener in the Mohican Valley.

The Redbirds, who went winless (0-10) and averaged just 7.2 points per game last fall, piled up 335 rushing yards and forced four turnovers to notch their first victory since the 2023 season.

Coach Ed Honabarger watches on as his team takes a 42-0 lead into halftime Friday night.

Second-year coach Ed Honabarger, who previously built Danville into a perennial playoff qualifier, spent the offseason helping his team build toughness, strength and preaching fundamentals.

“Last year I came in at the end of May, so being able to have a whole 12 months with this group makes a heck of a difference,” Honabarger said.

“This summer we just really pounded fundamentals, that was the biggest thing and just getting stronger helps with blocking and tackling.”

“We’ve still got a lot to work on, but this is a good way to start the season.”

With just six seniors lost to graduation, the Redbirds returned several key athletes this season, including senior playmaker Josiah Hershberger and sophomore running back Collin Caley.

Caley led all rushers with 135 yards on just seven carries. Hershberger added 111 total yards, including a 27-yard touchdown reception from sophomore quarterback Chayse Wright and a 17-yard rushing score in the second quarter.

Senior Josiah Hershberger

Junior running back Braylon Kauffman also contributed 50 yards rushing on 9 attempts and found the end zone multiple times.

By halftime, Loudonville led Mapleton 42-0, punching in six first-half touchdowns and capitalizing on multiple Mapleton miscues.

“I was happy we were able to hit some big plays,” Honabarger said. “We couldn’t do that last year.”

The defense was led by a swarming front seven that limited Mapleton to 54 rushing yards on 25 attempts.

Honabarger lauded the defensive effort, noting the Redbirds played sound, disciplined football.

“The defense made fewer mistakes — we ran to the ball, created some turnovers and took advantage of it,” he said.

Loudonville (1-0) hosts Richmond Heights in Week 2. Mapleton (0-1) travels to Wellington.

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Collin Caley Loudonville

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