Ranked in the top-four in every preseason poll for Class 4A boys soccer, the Durango High School Demons wasted no time displaying their firepower.
Durango won its season opener at home Saturday in a 5-1 route of Overland. The Demons took a 2-0 lead into halftime and led 4-0 when Overland scored with eight minutes remaining in the game. Durango tacked on one more goal for good measure to move to 1-0.
“I’m proud of the guys and where we’re at right now,” DHS head coach Dalon Parker said. “Overland was better than I thought, but the boys kept focused and did what they’re supposed to do. It was a nice way to open the season.”
DHS junior Lance Townsend made his varsity debut Saturday and made an instant impressions. His first touch of the ball resulted in a goal. Townsend scored three goals and assisted on both of the other Demons goals.
“He caught fire,” Parker said.
DHS senior Elijah Fenton also scored a goal and had one assist. Another goal was scored by junior William Lammons. Assists also were recorded by Ren Beasley and Gavin Deffenbaugh.
Parker said the team had many opportunities for more goals, especially in the second half, but several attempts went wide of the goal.
Possession was split between the teams in the first half, with Durango scoring a pair of goals on the counterattack. Durango found more possession in the second half as passes connected more fluidly.
DHS senior goalkeeper Trey Furnas made three saves. The lone Overland goal came on a miscommunication by the Durango defense that allowed an Overland player to deflect the ball over Furnas.
Overall, Parker was pleased with the play of his new defense backline made up of senior captain Tanus Yoder, junior Ian Mattox and sophomore Leland Heinicke. The Demons are using three defenders in the formation this year, moving another player up into the midfield.
“The back line is good and getting better,” Parker said. “They got better today and looked totally different in the second half. They’re adjusting to the change. Ian and Leland are the best one-on-one defenders we have, and Tanus is leading them as a senior.”
Durango will play three consecutive road games with a trip to Pueblo Centennial on Saturday.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
