BY YANEEK SMITH, BEACON CONTRIBUTOR

FOSTORIA — Oak Harbor controlled things throughout the Friday night game in its 47-0 victory over Fostoria to start the season out on the right foot. A stout rushing attack and a defense that held the Redmen (0-1) in check were the keys to victory for the Rockets.

Oak Harbor (1-0) rushed for 320 yards, led by Dalton Witter, who had 119 rushing yards on eight carries and scored on a 51-yard touchdown run to help the Rockets take the lead for good at 6-0. A total of six Rockets scored touchdowns in the game. Hayden Burho scored on touchdown runs of 43 and 39 yards. The second touchdown run pushed the advantage to 12 points, and Oak Harbor never looked back.

“We were able to come out and take control of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” said Oak Harbor coach Mike May. “We knew it would be important to establish the run in week one due to our youth and inexperience at the offensive skill positions.

“Dalton Witter did a nice job in his first game as our starting tailback. Hayden Buhro has also been making plays for us and had some long touchdown runs. We need to get our passing game going in the coming weeks.”

Tait Dusseau, Jaqui Hayward and Caiden Lippus also scored touchdowns and Dylan Schiets had a pick-six.

The Rockets allowed just 43 yards of total offense.

“We were concerned with their big-play potential on offense. Our guys did a good job of running to the ball and keeping things in front of them,” said May. “Other than the first drive of the game, Fostoria never really got anything going on offense.”

Oak Harbor’s offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage.

“Our offensive line played well. We are led by Dylan Schiets and Ryan Snow on both the offensive and defensive lines,” said May. “Our three new starters on the offensive line, Parker Lindsay, Zach Clune and Kyle Paul, all played well.”

The Rockets host rival Genoa (0-1) on Friday at 7 p.m. The Comets lost 27-0 to Archbold in their opener.