by Shaker Heights, Ohio – Saturday, September 5, 2020 marked the first time in program history that Kirtland High School played against a OHSAA Division I school. That school was Shaker Heights, who they are partnered up with for the 2020 Build The Bridge program that was founded this summer.
And Kirtland’s offensive performance showed why they are a threat to win states year in and year out.
Despite three first half turnovers, the Hornets scored 28 second half point on the way to a 35-10 victory over host Shaker Heights Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter was scoreless, with Kirtland fumbling the ball twice and Shaker recovering both times. Both teams also traded some pretty impressive punts.
Senior defensive back Joey Grazia picked off an Alex Diaz pass and took it to the house to put the Hornets on the board 7-0 early in the second quarter.
The Red Raiders got on the board thanks to a 27-yard field goal by senior kicker Carson Fowler.
Kirtland looked to add to their lead, but senior wide receiver/defensive back Jahdae Walker picked off a pass late in the first half.
In the third quarter, the Kirtland offense really got up and running.
The Hornets got the ball to start the second half. Mason Sullivan burst for a 51-yard gain. A short time later, he took it to the end zone from four yards out to push the Hornet lead to 14-3.
Gage Sullivan added a ten yard touchdown reception later in the quarter to increase the lead to 21-3. But the Hornets were not done yet.
Thanks to a botched punt recovered by Mason Rus, the Hornets took advantage of a short field and Sullivan found paydirt once again, pushing the Hornet lead to 28-3.
Danny Davidson added a fourth quarter score early in the fourth to trigger a running clock.
In a losing effort, Shaker Heights junior quarterback Adam Diaz went 9 of 23 passing for 132 yards. He threw a touchdown and an interception. He also had 15 carries for 49 yards.
Senior wide receiver Alex Benson had five receptions for 107 yards. He had a late fourth-quarter score, the Raiders’ lone points of the second half.
Kirtland improves to 2-0, stretching their winning streak to 32 games dating back to 2018. They travel to Cardinal to open up CVC Valley play.
“In the first half, we came out great. I loved everything we did. I thought the edge we had in the first half would carry over to the second.” said Shaker Heights head coach Alex Nicholson.
Shaker Heights drops to 0-1. They travel to Garfield Heights to open up Lake Erie League Conference play.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Mason Sullivan (Sr.) Kirtland
The outstanding senior running back is one of multiple key starters from last season’s state championship team. He had 16 carries for 149 yards and a pair of scores. His efforts helped get the Hornet offensive engine running in the second half.
