BIG RED ALERT
MOUNT CARMEL — Everything leading up to Friday's matchup between Danville and Mount Carmel had the makings of an even-keeled contest.
Only the Red Tornadoes weren't having any of it.
Seemingly letting out all of their early-season frustrations, the Tornadoes took everything out on the Ironmen and ran away — quite literally as they racked up 455 yards on the ground — with a 61-13 victory.
The win was Mount Carmel's first at home this year and gave it a huge leg up in the District 4 Class 3A playoff seedings. The Tornadoes more than likely secured the No. 3 seed, leaving the battered five-time district champion Ironmen hoping things don't get any worse.
"Having a few losses at home early on is not something we're used to," Mount Carmel coach John Darrah said. "Our guys love playing at home, and this team is getting better, and I give credit to our guys for never giving up, never quitting. We're not by any means content with where we are, and we want to keep getting better, but tonight was a good night."
Everything Mount Carmel called worked to perfection. Danville had a tough time tackling all evening as all 14 of Mount Carmel's carriers finished with positive yardage on all calls — direct snaps, misdirections, sweeps. The plays that worked best were runs right up the middle.
That's how Jason Klokis scored his 14-yard touchdown to give the Tornadoes their touchdown and a lead they'd never relinquish. Cooper Karycki also went that route on a 7-yard score in the second quarter.
Danville coach Carl Majer said the bulk of the Tornadoes' success is a credit to them, but it shows that the Ironmen have work to do.
"Mount Carmel beat us. There is no excuse. That coaching staff did a great job," he said. "Their kids did a great job, but we have to find a weight room. We have to find a way to make sure that never happens again, and that starts in the weight room and getting stronger."
The Tornadoes had a trio of rushers — Jaylen Delaney (134), Michael Kimsal (113), and Karycki (101) — who finished with over 100 yards. Kimsal posted consecutive touchdown runs of 35 and 38 yards to end the first half, while Delaney had a 45-yard scamper to put the game under the mercy rule in the third quarter.
Delaney and Karycki were also significant factors on special teams. Delaney housed a low line drive punt from Liam Tomko 54 yards in the second quarter, while Karycki found a massive hole in the middle of the field on a kickoff and ran it back 90 yards for the game's final points. Josh Miller also nailed a 30-yard field goal to round out the special teams' points.
Then, to give Mount Carmel a well-rounded victory, Orrin Mariano picked off Jagger Simpson in garbage time and returned it 16 yards. Mount Carmel's Blake Andrews also picked off starting QB Ben Koser.
The Tornadoes were able to key in on such once they got the lead. Danville attempted a pass on 42 of its 49 plays after it trailed 9-7 late in the first quarter.
"We were just trying to work on Ben's throwing and getting the ball to our athletes and trying to get something going," Majer said. "We were simply trying to move the ball and the chains."
Not all was bad as Koser found Kehoe, who broke three tackles for a 63-yard touchdown to begin the game's scoring. Kayvion Seabrook then reeled in a 21-yard touchdown pass from backup Simpson. The Ironmen finished with 273 yards in the air.
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