URBANA — A running-clock victory was just what the Danville Vikings needed on Friday night.
Coming off a disappointing 41-14 loss to Bloomington in the season opener, Danville scored 51 unanswered points — 31 in the first half — on its way to a 51-6 victory over the Urbana Tigers in a Big 12 Conference contest at McKinley Field.
For the second year in a row against Urbana, it was the Danville defense helping to kickstart the scoring.
Defensive back Jerry Reed III gave the Vikings a 7-0 lead with 7 minutes, 12 seconds left in the first quarter with a 53-yard interception return. Last year against the Tigers, Reed had one of four interceptions return for a touchdown for Danville, tying an IHSA state record.
The Vikings would add two more scores on a 46-yard run from Jayden Rowell and a 13-yard pass from Darius Jay to Diddy Robinson to build a 19-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Danville (1-1) increased that lead to 31-0 at halftime as Jay scored on a 22-yard run and Amillian Beasley scored his first-ever varsity touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Robinson and Rowell would find the end zone again in the third quarter, while CalVontae Modest scored his first-every varsity touchdown in the fourth quarter as Danville built a 51-0 lead.
Urbana (0-2) avoided the shutout when Kyree Hillsman connected with Nazir Johnson on a 46-yard scoring strike in the final minutes.
Up next for Danville is a home game next Friday against Normal West.
For the complete recap, including quotes, see Tuesday’s editions — both print and online — of the Commercial-News
At McKinley Field, Urbana
Danville 51, Urbana 6
Danville `19 `12 `14 `6 `— `51
Urbana `0 `0 `0 `6 `— `6
First quarter
Danville — Jerry Reed III 53-yard interception return (Tim Long kick), 7:12.
Danville — Jayden Rowell 46-yard run (kick failed) 3:18.
Danville — Diddy Robinson 13-yard pass from Darius Jay (pass failed) 2:34.
Second quarter
Danville — Jay 22-yard run (kick failed) 8:00.
Danville — Amillian Beasley 1-yard run (kick failed), 1:06.
Third quarter
Danville — Diddy Robinson 40-yard run (Long kick), 10:14.
Danville — Rowell 11-yard pass from Jay (Long kick), 6:17.
Fourth quarter
Danville — CalVontae Modest 4-yard run (kick failed), 7:42.
Urbana — Nazir Johnson 46-yard pass from Kyree Hillsman (kick failed) 2:12.