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Port Dover quarterback JD Zurby took full advantage of his chance.
Jul 10, 2026 •
JD Zurby, previously with the Delhi Raiders, carries the ball during an AABHN football match on Friday September 20, 2024 in Delhi. Zurby from Port Dover has officially joined the Western Mustangs football team. Photo by Brian Thompson /Brian Thompson/The Expositor
Port Dover quarterback JD Zurby took full advantage of his chance.
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With one final year of high school left, the former Delhi Raiders quarterback traveled to Texas to challenge himself against some of the best players in the country.
After guiding the East Chambers Buccaneers to a record of seven wins and three losses, the 18-year-old has decided to return to Ontario and join the strong Western University Mustangs this coming fall.
At 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Zurby accumulated 1,293 passing yards, threw for 15 touchdowns and scored six more rushing touchdowns for the school in Winnie, Texas.
“I look at it as a huge blessing,” Zurby said. “I got to see all types of football, the best it can get, and it was quite the opportunity.”
After achieving a season-high of 130 rushing yards in his regular-season opener, Zurby’s passing stats improved as the season progressed. This included an impressive stretch where he threw seven touchdown passes in just two weeks at the end of October. His standout game came on Oct. 24 when he recorded 338 yards and four touchdown passes in a victory over Kirbyville.
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Zurby wasn’t alone in this competitive environment; his father and former Delhi Raiders coach Alex was right there with him.
“We do what we can for our kids to help them excel,” Alex said.>(
)>”I did what I could to make it happen for him. The people were lovely, and he was really able to test himself as an athlete and a student, so it was a great experience that he’ll remember his whole life.”>(
)>”Zurby also cherishes” />the three seasons spent wearing Delhi Raider blue and gold while helping lead them to win the AABHN Varsity Non-CWOSSA title in 2024 under Alex’s coaching.>”Playing for Delhi was great,” JD summarized.”I’d say my best year was my last year there when I got to play under my dad, and we won a championship. I felt like I could connect with my community a lot more playing for them.”>(
)>”These days, Zurby’s focused on helping” />the Mustangs program regain its former glory. This year marked their first missed appearance at provincials since nine seasons ago,Yates Cup”.>(
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“There’s a standard there, and I’m willing todo everything I can to fill that,”Zurby stated. “I’m closer to home, but it’s goingto be like awhole new world, and I’mreally excitedforit.” ZURBYwon’tbethelone Raiderormemberofhis householdtakingpartinthe2026Ontario University Athletics (OUA)season. Alongwitholderbrother Jaxson, a Guelphreceiver, the Gryphonsrosterwillalsofeature DDSSalums Justin Van Der Kooi, Riley Brackenburyand Carson Mc Kie.
“Allmyboysfrom Delhi, inclusiveofmybrother, havemovedto Guelphandthatiswell-deserved,”Zurbysaid.”They’reallgreatathletes, and I’mjustblessedtobeadreamedalongsideof them.” JD’scommitmentto Mustangmeansboth Alexandhiswife Juliewillremainbusytravelingtoavarietyofuniversitiesthisyeartosupporttheir sons. Unfortunatelyforthecouple(or fortheir perspective), theregularseasonmatchupbetween Guelphand Westernwasonlypostponed until nextseason. “ p>Interestingly, JDsnewcoach Michael Fauldsalsoplayedin Texasduringhissenioryearbeforejoiningthe Mustangs. “‘It’sgreatthathasopportunitybutit’sthenextstageandthere’llbeevenmorehardworktodo'”said Alex.”I’mproudofhim, butnowtherealworkstarts.”
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