Moreland Hills, Ohio – Behind an impressive performance from sophomore Charlie Mallett, the visiting Hawken Hawks defeated the host Orange Lions, 50-13, on Thursday night in CVC action.
Hawken entered Thursday night’s action 4th place in Division III, Region 9, according to JoeEitel.com.
Orange entered Thursday night’s action 11th place in Division IV, Region 13, according to JoeEitel.com.
Hawken got the ball to kick off the game, and senior Jordan Johnson had a big return to the Orange ten-yard line. Two plays later, junior quarterback Donovan Moorhead found Charlie Mallett for an 11-yard touchdown reception. The PAT was good, and Hawken led 7-0.
The Hawks would force a turnover two plays later, as Julian Javoris recovered a loose ball. One play later, Charlie Mallett took an end-around 45 yards to paydirt. Hawken’s lead increased to 14-0 at the 9:34 mark of the first quarter.
Orange would respond on their next drive as Jonah Frey connected with Eli Robinson for a pair of first downs. He then found the senior wide receiver for an 18-yard touchdown reception. The PAT was good and Orange cut their deficit to 14-7.
Jordan Johnson had another big return for the Hawks to set them up in great scoring position. They would get as close as the three-yard line but would come up empty due to a missed 25-yard field goal.
Orange would be forced to punt after a Hawken stop late in the first quarter. They initially recovered a muffed punt, but illegal procedure was called to nullify the recovery. The Lions opted for a fake punt, but Hawken stopped them short of the line to gain.
On the first play of the second quarter, Donovan Moorhead found Charlie Mallett for a 56-yard touchdown toss. Hawken would lead 21-7 just 11 seconds in.
The Lions would respond with their own scoring drive, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown run from junior tailback Russell Tye. The PAT was blocked, and the score stood at 21-13 Hawken with 4:29 left in the second quarter.
Hawken countered when Donovan Moorhead found Charlie Mallett for a 12-yard touchdown reception, increasing their lead to 28-13. The Hawk defense came up with a fumble one play later, as Jordan Johnson came up with the loose ball.
The very next play, Donovan Moorehead found Charlie Mallett, who lateraled the ball to Jordan Johnson. Johnson did the rest, scoring from 33 yards out, increasing the lead to 35-13 with 1:33 left in the second quarter.
Hawken forced another Orange punt, and would take a 35-13 lead into the halftime break.
After coming up with another stop, the Hawks would find the end zone on their first possession in the third quarter. Jordan Johnson finished the drive with a ten-yard touchdown run. Kene Obi ran in the two-point conversion, increasing the Hawken lead to 43-13 with 8:48 left in the third, thus triggering the running clock.
Charlie Mallett would continue his big night, picking off a Jonah Frey pass and taking it 54 yards to the house, increasing the Hawken lead to 50-13 less than a minute later.
The Hawks defense came up with three more plays Thursday evening, forcing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff return, picking a pass off, and recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter.
Hawken, now 7-1, hosts Painesville Harvey on Friday, October 18th, to continue CVC play.
Orange, now 5-3, travels to Lutheran West on Friday, October 18th, to continue CVC play.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
WR/DB Charlie Mallett (Sophomore)
The sophomore two-way athlete caught three touchdown passes, rushed for one, and had an interception return for a touchdown.
Extended highlights below: