Demons blow out Aztec at home

The Durango High School football team seemingly scored at will while holding the visiting Aztec Tigers to just a single first down on Friday night.

The Demons went on to win the game, 54-0.

“It was a lot like last week — I thought we were physical and played with great energy,” said Durango head coach Todd Casebier. “We were able to do what we needed to get ahead and stay ahead.”

Durango had scoring drives of five plays, four plays, three plays, one play, five plays and one play as it built a 47-0 lead heading into halftime.

Quarterback Tyler Harms threw three touchdown passes — a 25-yarder to Zach Haber, a 14-yard strike to Jordan Stanley and a 37-yard pass in stride to JJ Hoerl. Harms also scored from a yard out on a quarterback keeper.

Nate Messier started the scoring with a 23-yard run into the end zone. Later Messier broke free for an 80-yard score, stiff-arming a Tiger at the 40-yard line and then sprinting down the sideline and into the end zone.

Haber had several carries of 14 yards or more and scored on a 5-yard run. Then Dylan Whatcott scored Durango’s final touchdown on a 1-yard run, two plays after breaking free for a 20-yard run.

“We want to be balanced, and I feel we have the guys to do it,” Casebier said, referring to his skill players and also the offensive line. “It all starts up front,” he said, crediting coaches Mike Sutter and Ron Morris.

On defense, Durango held Aztec to 11 yards in the first half and didn’t allow a first down until the fourth quarter.

Durango also forced three turnovers. Stanley pounced on a fumble at midfield that set up a score two plays later.

Tagert Bardin intercepted a pass. Then, on Aztec’s final possession, Kurtis DeBates picked off a pass.

Durango is now 2-0, but will have its toughest test yet when it travels to Montrose Friday to take on the Indians.

“I was in Montrose 10 years and won a bunch of league titles, so it does have special meaning for me,” Casebier said. “I also know how tough it is to win there so we’ll have to be at our very best.”