Dalin Wilkins hauls in the first of six touchdown receptions against Dunbar to set a new school record.
Photos Ron Nunnari | Register-Herald
Running back Calilien Grant breaks loose for a 17 yard run to give Northmont a first and goal at Dunbar’s one yard line.
Djuan Sales recovers a Dunbar fumble early in the second quarter.
Inside linebacker Terrence Harrell sacks Dunbar quarterback Jaiven Manley.
DAYTON — Dalin Wilkins set a new school record for most touchdown receptions in a game with six Friday night to lead Northmont to a 47-16 victory over Dunbar at Welcome Stadium.
Josh Smart held the previous record of four against Butler in 2004.
Wilkins caught 11 passes for 202 yards and six TDs. Wilkins also tied the school record for most points scored in a game with 36, which he shares with Von Cummings (1987 vs. Tecumseh) and Devin Kennerly (2017 vs. Miamisburg).
Quarterback Deuce Cortner tossed a seventh touchdown pass to Brady Lupton to finish the night with 14 completions in 25 pass attempts for 221 yards for seven TDs and two interceptions.
Cortner came up one TD short of tying the school record for most touchdown passes in a game, which is held by Tyler Horner who tossed eight against Springfield North in the final game of the 2004 season when Northmont went 9-1.
Wilkins’ first score came on a 13 yard pass from Cortner at 8:03 in the first quarter. The kick was wide as Northmont took a 6- lead.
On the kickoff Dunbar didn’t catch or cover the ball and Northmont pounced on the ball at the Wolverines’ 24. On the first play from scrimmage Cortner tossed a 24 yard TD to Wilkins. The point after failed but the Thunderbolts were out to a quick 12-0 lead.
Dunbar tried to pull off a fake punt on its next possession and Northmont tackled Ahsir Barnes at the Wolverines’ 39. Two plays later Cortner connected with Wilkins for a 39 yard touchdown. Jon Warren’s kick put the T’bolts up 19-0 with 6:01 left in the first quarter.
On their next possession the Wolverines drove into Northmont territory but were forced to punt with the ball going out of bounds at the one yard line. On the next play a high snap sailed into the end zone and Northmont took a safety making it 19-2.
After the free kick following the safety, Dunbar moved the ball inside the five and Jayvian Graves scored on a two yard run. The Wolverines went for a two-point conversion with Dai’Vontay Young catching a pass in the end zone to pull Dunbar to within nine, 19-10.
After that, Northmont scored at will to take a 40-10 halftime lead. Cortner tossed TD passes of nine and seven yards to Wilkins and a three yard TD to Brady Lupton.
Dunbar’s final score came on a 24 yard interception return by William Wilson with six minutes left in the third quarter. Northmont closed out the game with Cortner hitting Wilkins with a 21 yard pass for a touchdown with three minutes remaining. Warren’s kick made the final tally 47-16.
“This is a special team with a lot of talented players,” said Northmont coach Tony Broering. “Wilkins set a record tonight and Deuce almost tied a record. With the exception of the safety, we had a great game. I’m proud of how well everyone played tonight.”
Calilien Grant led Northmont with 88 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Thunderbolts generated 368 total yards while limiting Dunbar to 101.
Cedric Works led the defense with eight tackles, five solo. Gavin Milby had seven tackles and three solo while Djuan Sales and Braylen Russell each had six tackles and four solo.
The undefeated Thunderbolts remain tied for first place in the Greater Western Ohio Conference with Miamisburg. This Friday night Northmont will open conference play at Fairmont. The Firebirds are 1-2 overall losing their last two games 38-8 to Trotwood-Madison and 14-7 to La Salle.
Reach Ron Nunnari at [email protected].
