by The Kirtland Hornets punched their ticket to another state championship game with a 49-22 win over the Colonel Crawford Eagles. With 442 yards on the ground and 7 total rushing touchdowns, it was another dominant performance from the Hornets.
Ty Bledsoe got the Hornets off to a fast start with a 32-yard run into Eagles territory. Bledsoe then capped the opening drive off with an 8-yard touchdown run. The Eagles looked poised to respond with points, but their 28-yard field goal attempt missed wide left.
The Hornets 3-headed rushing attack was once again amazing in this one. John Silvestro got loose for a 59-yard run down the sideline before being chased down at the 21-yard line. That big play set up Jake LaVerde to extend the lead to 14-0 with a 6-yard run.
In the 2nd quarter, Bledsoe broke off another big run for 45-yards. On 4th down from the 1-yard line later on that drive, Silvestro found the end zone to make it 21-0 Kirtland. Colonel Crawford tried to catch Kirtland off guard with a fake punt, but the Hornets were ready for it and got the ball back at midfield.
Silvestro then added his second touchdown of the game just before halftime. His big season continued tonight with 229 yards and 4 touchdowns total. The Hornets went into halftime with a commanding 27-0 lead.
The Eagles finally got on the board in the 3rd quarter when Connor McMichael scored from 18-yards out. The Hornets immediately responded with another touchdown drive. This time it was LaVerde scoring his second of the night.
McMichael and the Eagles continued to show fight, as he ripped off another touchdown run on their next drive to make it 34-14. However, they just could not stop the Hornets ground attack. Silvestro got free for his longest run of the night, a 60-yard score late in the 3rd quarter.
A 4th down sack by Mario Lorber gave Kirtland a chance to extend their lead by gifting them great field position. The next play, Silvestro scored his 4th touchdown of the night. This time it was a 16-yarder that put Kirtland up 49-14.
Colonel Crawford cut into the deficit in the 4th quarter with a touchdown run by Peyton Baker. After a successful onside kick, the Eagles drove all the way down to the goal line. However, they were stuffed by the Hornets defense on 4th down. That allowed the Hornets to run out the clock and clinch a spot in yet another state championship game.
Player of the Game:
RB John Silvestro: 19 carries, 229 yards, 4 TDs
