by Bainbridge Twp., Ohio – The host Kenston Bombers defeated the visiting Madison Blue Streaks, 34-8, in the first round of the OHSAA Division III, Region 9 playoffs at Bomber Stadium Friday night.
Junior two-way athlete Will Hamm put Kenston in front, 7-0, returning the game’s opening kickoff for a touchdown from 91 yards out.
After a partially blocked punt gave the Bombers great field position at the Madison 6, Hamm found the end zone once again for a one-yard score. This would increase the lead to 14-0.
Following another Madison punt, the Bombers started deep in their own territory, but the offense moved the ball downfield with precision once again, capping things off with Hamm’s third score of the game. Kenston led 21-0, with 1:23 left in the first quarter.
With three rushing touchdowns to his credit, Hamm also made a big play on defense, recovering a fumble deep in Madison territory. However, the Bombers had to settle for a 28-yard field goal off the leg of Grady Kucharson, padding their margin to 24-0.
Another deep Madison punt pinned Kenston at their own ten yard line. The Bomber offense moved downfield, looking to add to their margin. Facing a fourth-and-goal at the Blue Streak 3, Hamm added his fourth score of the game with 1:59 left in the half, pushing the lead to 31-0.
The majority of the second half was played with a running clock due to the 30+ point margin. Grady Kucharson kicked a 35-yard field goal to increase the Bomber lead to 34-0 with 9:44 remaining.
Madison found the end zone with 4:33 to play when Peyton Birman rushed for a nine-yard touchdown. The ensuing two-point try was successful for the final margin.
Friday’s victory not only marked the 100th win in head coach Jeff Grubich’s career, but made him the winningest head coach in Kenston Bomber history.
Kenston advances to play top seed Canfield at Bob Dove Field next Friday, November 7th.
Extended highlights below:
