H.S. Football: Donovan Shumpert has big day as Elyria Catholic rolls in opener

ELYRIA — Donovan Shumpert knew what it meant when he was given No. 44 for his senior season at Elyria Catholic. It didn't take long for Shumpert to show he deserved it. Pinned deep on the first play from scrimmage Friday, he took a pitchout from junior Robbie Duray on an inside sweep and raced 56 yards to the Lutheran West 30-yard line, then finished the opening drive with a 22-yard touchdown reception as the Panthers opened the season at Dan Reaser Stadium with a resounding 47-13 win over the Longhorns. No. 44 has been worn by spectacular backs at Elyria Catholic, including Bryan Thomas and Al McKinney, who led the Panthers to state championships in 1976, '83 and '84. It was most recently worn by Levi Ellis, who broke nearly all of McKinney's rushing records during EC's last playoff run in 2022. "He's not 44 for no reason," coach Chase Farris said. "Football's a game of momentum. We talk to our guys every day. The theme for this year was 'attention to detail.' Take care of the small things before they add up to big things. Those guys stepping in, getting the blocking done upfront and executing in the backfield, getting our backs on the perimeter and giving him a chance in open space." "We had a long offseason," said Shumpert. "We had a lot of adversity but we knew this game we had to do something to set the tone and propel us into the season. Our line blocked great and our defense played a great game. When the guys upfront block for you, it opened things up for Robbie Duray to have a great day passing the ball down the field." Shumpert scored four times and Duray threw four touchdown passes and ran for another. EC built a 21-6 first-quarter lead, extended it to 34-6 by halftime and started the running clock midway through the third quarter. Shumpert scored on pass plays of 22, 48 and 16 yards and returned a fumble 28 yards for another score. He rushed three times for 63 yards and caught four passes worth 95 more. EC rushed for 143 yards and Duray threw for 139. The Panthers had 14 first downs to eight for Lutheran West. Duray, who missed most of last season with an injury, hit on six of 13 throws for 139 yards and four touchdowns. His first two completions were touchdown tosses to Shumpert. "It was amazing," said Duray. "I've been waiting a year for this and just coming back and being with the guys again — it felt so good. "Donovan made some amazing catches. He makes me look good." Elyria Catholic, 3-7 last year, won its first opener in four years, handing Farris the first 1-0 start in his coaching career. Lutheran West lost for the 14th straight time. The Longhorns were 0-10 a year ago. Defensively, Dominque Worthy heard his name called over the PA system by veteran announcer Matt St. Marie on nearly every big stop. Unofficially, Worthy had four sacks and a number of tackles for loss. "It felt really good," said Worthy. "We worked hard in the offseason. We have some good hitters." Lutheran West's last touchdown came with 10 seconds remaining against EC's reserves. The Panthers will host Mayfield next Friday. The Wildcats defeated Elyria 55-10 on Friday at home. Contact Tim Gebhardt at (440) 329-7135 or timothygeb@msn.com. Elyria Catholic 47, Lutheran West 13 Lutheran West&emsp;6&emsp;0&emsp;0&emsp;7&emsp;—&emsp;13 Elyria Catholic&emsp;21&emsp;13&emsp;7&emsp;6&emsp;—&emsp;47 EC — Donovan Shumpert 22 pass from Robbie Duray (Max Murner kick) LW — Max Jenkins 9 run (kick blocked) EC — Shumpert 48 pass from Duray (Murner kick) EC — Shumpert 28 fumble return (Murner kick) EC — Shumpert 16 pass from Duray (Murner kick) EC — Arias Malone 15 pass from Duray (kick blocked) EC — Duray 1 run (Murner kick) EC — Vinnie Reyes 10 run (kick failed) LW — Gabe Deida 33 pass from Jayden Taylor (Addyson Esposito kick)