by Chardon, Ohio – It was a wet and rainy evening at Chardon Memorial Field. And the Hilltoppers used the elements to their advantage to kick off the 2020 season.
James Pettyjohn and Sean Carr each ran for a pair of touchdowns Friday night to propel Chardon to a 42-7 victory over visiting Eastlake North.
Pettyjohn is one of multiple returning starters from last season’s regional championship runner-ups.
And the senior running back kicked off the scoring in the first with a 41-yard touchdown run. The ensuing point after was good, and the Hilltoppers took the early 7-0 lead.
Junior running back Sean Carr got in on the action. He added a touchdown run of his own from a yard out, increasing the lead to 14-0 going into the halftime break.
Carr would add another touchdown on the Hilltoppers’ first possession of the third quarter. Eastlake North would get on the board when senior quarterback Chris Molica ran for a 78-yard touchdown.
The Rangers defense would also recover a fumble in the red zone, looking to swing the momentum back their way.
But the Hilltopper defense held firm, and on their next possession, senior Nathaniel Sulka rushed for a 12-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 28-7 going into the fourth quarter.
Pettyjohn added a second touchdown, and senior linebacker Cade McDevitt added a fumble recovery for a touchdown for the final margin.
There was very little, if any, passing in Friday night’s contest. The driving rain may or may not have played a factor. But the way the Hilltoppers ran the ball, no passing was necessary.
“I’m proud of all the work the kids put in to get here. Now we just have to do a better job of executing. We’re looking forward to getting better.” said Eastlake North head coach Shawn Dodd.
“It was really special to be out here.” said Chardon head coach Mitch Hewitt. “It’s been a long journey to get to this point. The win is special, as is the opportunity to get out here.”
Chardon improves to 1-0 and hosts Willoughby South next Friday night. Eastlake North falls to 0-1 and plays against University School next Friday night.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Chardon Hilltoppers senior running back James Pettyjohn
Pettyjohn ran for 180 yards and a pair of touchdowns, leading the vaunted Chardon ground attack.
