Kirtland Blows Past Crestview 42-6

Senior Jake LaVerde took a pitch around the right end for a 64-yard touchdown on the Hornets third play of the game and Kirtland (2-0) never looked back, storming past the Crestview Cougars (0-2) 42-6. In just over a quarter of play, LaVerde carried the ball five times for 199 yards and two scores, to go along with two passing touchdowns.

After the Hornets went up 7-0, the defense stood strong and forced a three-and-out from the Cougars. On the first play following a punt, LaVerde dropped back and found Niko Samac in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown, pushing the Kirtland lead to 14-0.

As they did time and time again, the Hornets’ defense forced a three-and-out. Unlike the last drives that were quick strike, this time Kirtland needed ten plays to cover 55 yards. On 2nd and goal from the Cougar 8, LaVerde made multiple defenders miss in the pocket and once again found Samac, this time for an eight-yard touchdown that stretched the lead to 21-0.

After the ensuing kickoff, Crestview faced a 3rd and 15 from their own 15 and as QB Liam Kuhn went to throw, the ball popped out and was recovered by Casey Carkhuff, who took it eight yards for another Kirtland touchdown, making the score 28-0 seconds into the second quarter. The Cougars would pick up their first first down of the game on their next drive, but were still forced to punt.

Starting the drive on their own 19-yard line, LaVerde called his own number around the right side and rumbled 89 yards for another Hornets touchdown, his 2nd of the game that made the score 35-0. At that point, many of the starters for Kirtland were removed from the game.

Facing a 4th and goal from the Cougar 3-yard line, Ben Loncar found Landon Oppenheim in the end zone, giving Kirtland a 42-0 lead that would carry them to halftime.

Running Clock

Crestview would begin their first drive of the second half on their own 20-yard line, and a 42-yard yard run from Bransen Hider would set the Cougars up deep in Hornet territory. Four plays later, Marcus Chacey would rumble in from ten yards out to put Crestview on the scoreboard for the first time, narrowing the gap to 42-6.

The running clock ate up most of the second half, but Crestview would threaten one more time. The Cougars would get all the way down to the Kirtland 1-yard line, but were stuffed at the goal line on fourth down as time expired, giving the Hornets a 42-6 victory.

Keys to the Game

The Hornets came out of the gates fast, scoring on each of their first four drives. The offense was set up by a stifling defense that held Crestview without a first down for much of the first half. 

In very limited action, senior Jake LaVerde made his impact felt, carrying the ball five times for 199 yards and two scores while also racking up 34 yards and another two touchdowns through the air. The star senior has carried the ball 21 times for a whopping 540 yards and five touchdowns in the first two games.

Very special shoutout to freshman Josie Burich, who became the first female to play in the storied history of the Kirtland Hornets football program. Burich was on the field for the final Hornet touchdown of the game that came in the second quarter.

Next Week

Crestview will be back in action next Friday night when they play host to the Keystone Wildcats (1-0). Keystone travels to Cloverleaf in Week 2.

Kirtland will look to continue their hot start next Friday night when they travel to Perry (1-0), the reigning Division V State Champions. The Pirates have a bye this week as they prepare for the Hornets. 

Top Performers

Kirtland Hornets

Jake LaVerde: 5 carries 199 yards 2 TD   3-4 34 yards 2 TD

Max Paul: 3-4 84 yards   2 carries 4 yards

Evan Koprowski 2 catches 72 yards

Niko Samac: 2 catches 29 yards 2 TD

Crestview Cougars

Bransen Hider: 9 carries 88 yards

Marcus Chacey: 6 carries 33 yards TD

Liam Kuhn: 6-15 81 yards

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Kirtland 8:31- Jake LaVerde, 64-yard run (kick good)

Kirtland 7:20- Jake LaVerde to Niko Samac, 22 yards (kick good)

Kirtland 1:13- Jake LaVerde to Niko Samac, 7 yards (kick good)

2nd Quarter

Kirtland 11:53- Casey Carkhuff fumble recovery (kick good)

Kirtland 9:27- Jake LaVerde, 89-yard run (kick good)

Kirtland 1:58- Ben Loncar to Landon Oppenheim, 3 yards (kick good)

3rd Quarter

Crestview 1:05- Marcus Chacey, 10-yard run (kick blocked)