DaytonDailyNews.com

CENTERVILLE — Northmont and Centerville use different travel agents to their football success.

The Thunderbolts struck by air Friday night to throttle host Centerville 42-30 before an overflow crowd of nearly 10,500. Northmont improved to 3-0 behind a 21st-century passing attack and a stout defense that that limited Centerville to a meager nine points in the second half. It was the 'Bolts first win in seven meetings with the Elks.

The thriller lived up to the hype of the Dayton Daily News Game of the Week. Centerville and Northmont entered the game ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the DDN's Division I ratings.

"It's a signature win for our program," said Northmont coach Lance Schneider. "Maybe we'll get some respect and erase some doubters."

Clay Belton, who had a nightmarish game last year against the Elks (4 interceptions) connected on 16-of-35 passes for 268 yards. He hit Nate Wilburn-Ogletree for three TDs covering 8, 91 and 13 yards. Remember that unique name. It was the junior receiver's coming out party.

"Clay showed his poise and composure tonight," Wilburn-Ogletree said. "On our big score (91-yarder), they were cheating on the trips side, and I was all alone on the right side. I had man coverage, and Clay recognized and threw me a great ball."

Centerville traveled exclusively by land and rolled up 369 yards on the ground in its triple-option attack. Quarterback David Fleming rambled for 159 yards in 26 carries while Taneareus Collins added 97 in 16 carries. The Elks were in command with a 21-14 halftime lead. A fumble on the 4 cost them a two-touchdown advantage at the break.

"Northmont's defense doesn't get the credit they deserve," said Centerville coach Ron Ullery, whose team fell to 2-1. "I got outcoached. They had some great schemes and made some adjustments at halftime. They made the plays when they had to, and we made mistakes when we couldn't. We had 31 minutes of possession to their 17. Stats lied tonight."

Northmont's defensive catalysts were linebackers Josh Newman, Chris Rutledge and cornerback Luke Hurst.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com