Columbus North’s Luke Russell (42) and Jose Ramirez (21) combine for a tackle on Southport’s Tony Taylor during a football game at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
In its second consecutive lopsided win, the only drama late in Friday night’s Conference Indiana opener was whether Columbus North would post its second straight shutout.
The Bull Dogs looked to have accomplished that feat when their JV defense stopped Southport on downs at its own 37-yard line in the final minute of the game. But as North’s JV offense tried to run out the clock, it fumbled, and the Cardinals threw a touchdown pass on the final play of the game to make the final score 35-6.
It was the only blemish of the game for a defense that was otherwise dominant for the second week in a row.
“Hats off to our defense again for another dominating performance,” North coach Logan Haston said. “We really have those guys dialed up right now.”
The offense did its job as well. They put up four first half touchdowns, and when they scored a fifth on the opening drive of the second half, it led to a running clock the rest of the game.
“We talked about coming out with a fast start is always important when you’re the quote-unquote favorite, and we did,” Haston said. “Our offense sputtered on our first drive, but after that, we settled in and got things going pretty well.”
Sophomore quarterback Asher Ratliff had his best game as a Bull Dog. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 133 yards and three first-half touchdowns and also ran five times for 42 yards.
“We’re doing a good job of taking care of the ball, and our offense is getting better each week,” Ratliff said. “I think we’re really melting together and starting to connect. Our receivers were catching the ball and starting to get open. Our O-line had good protection. The scheme worked well, and we made it happen.”
“I think Asher is starting to settle in a little bit,” Haston added. “I think the first couple of games, he was trying not to make mistakes instead of going out and playing his style and his brand of play, and tonight, we got to see what he was capable of doing. He played with confidence and took what the defense was giving him and made some really nice throws.”
North got on the board on its second offensive possession when Mormino punched it in from 7 yards. After stopping the Cardinals on downs at the Southport 40, Ratliff hit Braylon Thoman for a 10-yard score on the first play of the second quarter.
The Bull Dogs defense then got in on the action. Cardinals quarterback Gavin Cummins was called for intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety, and a 16-0 North lead.
The Bull Dogs took the ensuing kickoff and on the third play, Ratliff found Jordan Briner in the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown. Then, with 1:08 left in the first half, Ratliff hit Sam Mormino on a middle screen, and Mormino took it 22 yards for a 29-0 lead.
“The O-line did amazing on that screen,” Mormino said. “I turned around and saw four big boys down the field. It was just awesome.”
North took the second half kickoff and marched for the clincher. Gino Prescott took it the final 23 yards for a 35-0 lead, ensuring a running clock for the rest of the game.
Prescott finished with 62 yards on 10 carries. Mormino, who missed last week’s win at Columbus East with an injury, carried five times for 36 yards and caught the 22-yarder for his second touchdown of the night.
“I was dying to get out here,” Mormino said. “I was so pumped during practice. It could have been better.”
“I think we did a good job of balancing both of them and getting a 1-2 punch,” Haston added. “Moving forward in the season, that will be a good thing for our offense.”
The Bull Dogs limited Southport to 33 yards rushing on 30 carries.
“Our defense has set us up great week-in-and-week-out,” Ratliff said. “They haven’t allowed a lot of points all year, and they’re doing a great job of helping us out, giving us short fields and giving us the ability to punch it in.”
Columbus North 35, Southport 6
Southport;0;0;0;6;—;6
Columbus North;7;22;6;0;—;35
CN—Sam Mormino 7 run (Bryce Luttrell kick), 3:34.
CN—Braylon Thoman 10 pass from Asher Ratliff (Luttrell kick), 11:54.
CN—Saftey, Southport called for intentional grounding in end zone, 11:06.
CN—Jordan Briner 27 pass from Ratliff (Luttrell kick), 10:15.
CN—Mormino 22 pass from Ratliff (kick failed), 1:08.
CN—Gino Prescott 23 run (pass failed), 9:36.
S—Nilyn Compton 25 pass from Gavin Cummins (no PAT attempt),:00.
Individual statistics
RUSHING — Southport: Tony Taylor 21-71, Jayson Johnson 1-1, Jeremiah Stanovic 3-0, Cumins 5-(-39). Columbus North: Prescott 10-62, Ratliff 5-42, Mormino 5-36, Briner 1-9, Max Wilson 2-(-3), Tyson Arnold 3-(-10).
PASSING — Southport: Cummins 6 for 14, 83 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions. Columbus North: Ratliff 7-12-113-3-0, Wilson 0-2-0-0-0.
RECEIVING — Southport: Uriah Stearman 3-46, Compton 1-25, Johnson 2-12. Columbus North: Thoman 3-47, Briner 3-40, Mormino 1-22, Cam Kleinhenz 1-14, Prescott 1-3.
