By Drew Terhall

Dailyadvocate.com

VERSAILLES — The Versailles football team made a goal line stop at the one-yard line as time expired to preserve the 33-0 shutout win over Milton Union at H.B. Hole Field on August 23 to open their 2024 season.

Head coach Ryan Jones said the stop was a great way to end this game as the younger players got the chance to get some varsity playing time.

“Anytime you can get a shutout, it’s a great accomplishment for the defense. Everybody takes a lot of pride in that. You get some younger guys in there, backs up against the wall and get a stand like that at the end. It’s great to end on that note,” Jones said.

Versailles scored on the game’s opening possession as senior Ben Subler scored on a 26-yard touchdown run. A missed PAT gave Versailles a 6-0 lead.

The defense gave the offense the ball back after getting a fourth down stop. The Tigers couldn’t score and settled for a punt. The snap was dropped on fourth down and Milton-Union set up shop on the Versailles 36-yard line in the first quarter.

The defense stepped up big again as they got another fourth down stop. Jones said he was thrilled with how the defense came out and played with intensity for all four quarters.

“I thought they played inspired ball all night. They got after it all. We got some pressure on their quarterback. Really happy with how the defense played tonight,” Jones said.

The offense didn’t waste this opportunity as they scored on the first play after that second fourth down stop. Subler once again took the handoff for an outside sweep and ran 55 yards for the touchdown. With 4:46 left in the first quarter, Versailles led 13-0.

The offense scored once again in the second quarter as junior Ethan Wilker, in his first varsity start at quarterback, found senior James Schmitmeyer in the flats. Schmitmeyer took it 11 yards for the scored. Sophomore Landyn Knapke scored from four yards out with 40 seconds left in the first half to give Versailles a 27-0 lead going into halftime.

Both Schmitmeyer and Knapke stepped up after senior Blake Henry went down with injury. Henry started the game at running back and made some plays before he left in the first quarter. Jones said both Schmitmeyer and Knapke did a great job and made the most out of their touches.

The offensive line also deserves some credit. Jones said he was happy with how physical his offensive line was as that helped them effectively run the ball.

The offense as a whole over came a slow start in the first quarter. They got into a rhythm as the game went on and were moving the ball well.

“We moved the ball pretty well. We had some drops, some missed passes early on. We were able to run the ball efficiently. I thought Wilker threw the ball well. It’s his first start where it’s his team there. I thought he handled himself very well. Did a great job showing leadership and good poise,” Jones said.

Halfway through the third quarter, Subler struck again for his third touchdown of the game. This time, Wilker hit Subler for a 25-yard passing touchdown.

Jones said Subler had a fantastic night and showed off his athleticism. Subler was competing for the starting quarterback job during the summer, but he showed he’s more than a quarterback.

“Did a great job on a couple of sweeps on the outside. He’s a tough guy to bring down. We know Ben Subler can carry the load. He’s a good quarterback, but he can run the ball. He showed that tonight,” Jones said.

The defense continued to hound the Bulldogs. The defensive line got pressure on senior quarterback Wyatt Kimmel and didn’t let the Bulldogs near the redzone until the last drive of the game.

Versailles will look to improve on their 1-0 record on August 30 as they welcome in Fort Loramie. That game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Contact Daily Advocate sports editor Drew Terhall at [email protected].