Deshler tops Danville for region win

The Deshler Tigers managed to put one in the win column after starting the 2024 season 0-2.

The Tigers opened Class 4A, Region 7 play with a dominant 35-0 shutout victory over Danville.

“Hats are off to our kids for the way they fought back this week,” head coach Patrick Malone told the Deshler radio crew after the Sept. 6 contest. “We had a tough week of practice where we challenged them. We got back to the basics on how to play Deshler football. I’m proud of them, and this is a step in the right direction.”

Deshler got on the board early when a big block opened the way for a 64-yard touchdown run by Q Harden less than a minute into the opening quarter. Tripp Brooks made the extra point, and the Tigers led the Hawks 7-0.

Midway through the frame it was Harden again who scored on the ground, this time from 26 yards out.

Cam Fuller increased the Tigers’ lead with a 17-yard run and score on the first play of the second quarter, with the Brooks point after making it 21-0.

Price Thornton would close out the half by connecting with Fuller on a 17-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-0 heading into intermission.

The final score of the game came on a big defensive play by Ayden Noyola, who intercepted a Danville pass and returned it 50 yards for a pick six.

The win puts the Tigers at 1-2 overall and 1-1 in region play.

Deshler will finally get a chance to play at home in Howard Chappell Stadium when the Wilson Warriors (0-3, 0-2) come to Tuscumbia on Sept. 13.

Deshler defeated Wilson 70-8 last season and boasts a 26-6 advantage all-time in the series.

Wilson fell to Danville 34-14 earlier this season. The game should be an excellent opportunity for the Tigers to even their record at .500 and to pick up another region win.