Loudonville's woes continue, as Centerburg have their way with Redbirds

LOUDONVILLE − Committing turnovers in any sport is never a good thing. Committing turnovers on the first two offensive plays in back-to-back drives in football is a major killer.

That's what happened to Loudonville on Friday night early in the first quarter against Knox Morrow Athletic Conference opponent Centerburg. The Redbirds fumbled the ball on their first two offensive plays that resulted in Centerburg recovering both fumbles. From there, the Trojans were working with a short field and punched in two touchdowns that eventually led to a 42-7 victory for Centerburg (3-2) that left Loudonville still winless on the season at 0-5.

"We had two fumbles right off the bat, and they drove down and scored," said Loudonville head coach Ed Honabarger. "They scored quick and the next time you blink, it's 21-0. It's hard to come back, let alone against a good football team. That's sort of been the story of our season. Digging ourselves in a hole. Making little mistakes, and that starts adding up to big things."

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If the turnovers weren't a problem, then Loudonville's inability to close the running gaps of Centerburg quarterback Blane Ball (2 rushing TDS, 1 passing TD) and running back Miles Marshall (3 rushing TDs), tackle out in space and match the Trojans strength that caused the Redbirds so many problems. Offensively, not much came on that end either.

"We are not where we need to be strength-wise. We've got a young team. That shows every week," Honabarger said. "We struggle getting off blocks. We struggle taking proper angles, even though we constantly coach that. It's one of those years right now."

As the Redbirds' schedule will only get tougher in the second half of the season, Honabarger wants to keep preaching the small things.

"Getting better fundamentally is the main thing," he said.

jsimpson@gannnett.com

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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Loudonville's woes continue, as Centerburg have their way with Redbirds