2010 Hubbard 31 - Salem 14

Gallery

Team

Salem

Record	Div.	Conf.
5/4	Div. IV	Northeastern Buckeye Conference

By John Bassettu

bassetto@vindy.com

Hubbard

As part of his video/broadcasting classes at school, senior Dan Duvall is taught to speak clearly and avoid a rapid succession of unintelligible words with arms flailing.

During a TV interview following Hubbard’s 31-14 win over All-American Conference White Tier rival Salem, Duvall managed to keep his hands at his side and respond appropriately.

Duvall’s TV appearance, however, was earned based on his speed and quick reflexes on the field, scoring two touchdowns and adding an interception on defense.

Also instrumental in helping Hubbard (3-1) win its third straight game while handing Salem (3-1) its first loss were Mike Lopuchovsky and Blake Novotny, who, like Duvall, are two-way players.

Lopuchovsky and Novotny both ran for a touchdown and Lopuchovsky also kicked a 19-yard field goal.

Lopuchovsky (safety), Duvall (outside linebacker) and Novotny (linebacker) were also part of a defensive unit that held Salem scoreless until 6:03 left the third quarter.

Cornerbacks Tyler Duez, Kory Hopkinson and Cory Rushwin were good enough to keep Salem receivers covered as quarterback Trent Toothman was limited to 54 yards passing on 7 of 24. Hubbard’s secondary was also effective as Toothman was picked off three times, including once each by Hopkinson and Duez.

Meanwhile, Hubbard’s offensive line of Andrew Hover, Tyler Lias, Mike Peachock and Craig Johnson and inside linebackers Anthony Pesce and Tyler Karabin helped put pressure on Toothman, who had a better night on the ground as the 6-2, 220 senior gained 121 yards on 22 rushes.

“I haven’t had too many good games this year, so I want to step it up and make myself a better player every week,” said Duvall. “If I want to play at the next level, I have to have big games.”

In addition to Duvall’s 57-yard interception return that set up Lopuchovsky’s field goal before halftime, he ran 11 times for 57 yards.

The 6-3, 220 Novotny, however, was the power back with four carries for 143 yards, followed by Lopuchovsky’s 12 for 89 and Rushwin’s six for 22.

Duvall’s interception came when Salem had 4th-and-2 at Hubbard’s 35.

“They were playing man coverage, so we thought we could sneak [Zach] Penick out there,” Salem coach Mike Kopachy said. “We had him, but it was a little under-thrown. No. 1 [Duvall] made the play, and when he gets it he’s pretty fast. That’s one I’d like to have back.”

Hubbard coach Brian Hoffman liked the pressure on Toothman.

“I don’t think he got into a good passing rhythm tonight, which helped us because he does have a quick release. We were concerned about being able to get there before he would get the ball off.”