The Danville Blue Devils are Region 27 champions after a commanding 40-6 win over Eastern Pike High on Friday night. With the victory, Danville (12-2) advances to the Division VII State Semifinals.
The Blue Devils controlled the game from start to finish, leaning heavily on their powerful running game. Danville rushed for 337 yards on 52 carries, with senior running back Aidan Burke leading the way. Burke ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns on 22 attempts, while fellow back Cyren Wallace added 92 yards.
On defense, Danville stifled Eastern Pike’s passing attack, which had been a key strength all season. The Blue Devils sacked Eastern quarterback Eric Manley twice and pressured him with seven additional hurries. Linebacker Josh Byers led the defense with eight total tackles, while Wallace added seven tackles.
Danville quarterback Jacob Hackman didn’t need to do much through the air, completing three of six passes for 28 yards. Hackman also contributed two rushing touchdowns as the Blue Devils continued to grind out yards on the ground.
Eastern Pike (12-1) struggled to get anything going offensively, managing just 94 yards offensively. Manley finished the game with 35 yards passing, as the Blue Devils’ defense kept constant pressure on him throughout the night.
With the win, Danville now turns its attention to the state semifinals, where they will face powerhouse Hillsdale High. The game is scheduled for Friday, with the location to be determined by the OHSAA on Sunday, Nov. 24.
