by Canton, Ohio – The Versailles Tigers knocked off the Kirtland Hornets, 20-16, Saturday night, taking home the Division V state championship. They also snapped Kirtland’s 55-game winning streak, which was the longest streak in the nation.
Carson Bey kicked off the scoring with a 16-yard scamper to the end zone. The ensuing point-after was blocked and Versailles led 6-0 with 5:29 left in the first quarter.
Kirtland marched down the field, but could only muster a field goal off the leg of Johnny Raguz. This field goal cut their deficit to 6-3 with 3:26 left in the first.
Carson Bey would toss a 24-yard touchdown to Michael Osborne early in the second quarter. This increased the lead to 13-3 with 9:25 left in the second.
They scored off a fumble recovery by the defense.
Versailles drove inside the five-yard line, looking to pad their lead to three scores. But the Kirtland defense stepped up and got a big sack and an incompletion to end the half.
With this momentum, Kirtland had the ball to begin the second half, but the Versailles defense stood tall, forcing a three-and-out.
Jack Osborne would take it in from a yard out to increase the lead to 20-3 with 3:22 left in the third. This score riled up the Versailles crowd.
However, Kirtland would not go down without a fight.
The Hornets marched down the field, capping off their drive with a 29-yard touchdown run from senior Gage Sullivan. This made the score 20-10 Versailles with 9:03 left.
The Hornet defense would come up with a stop, forcing a Versailles punt. However, Michael Osborne picked off a pass for the Tiger defense.
On the ensuing possession, defensive back Jacob Carman also picked off a pass for the Tigers. It was their fourth forced turnover of the game, three being interceptions.
Kirtland would score once more, as Mason Rus had a four-yard touchdown run. The ensuing point after-was blocked, and Versailles’ lead was down to 20-16 with :44 remaining.
Versailles would recover the onside kick, and after a kneel-down, the celebration was on.
Versailles Tiger senior quarterback Carson Bey had 27 carries for 86 yards and a score. He also went 8 of 12 passing for 129 yards and a score. Bey also had an interception on defense.
Senior Jack Osborne had 22 carries for 45 yards and a score.
Kirtland senior Gage Sullivan had 13 carries for 118 yards and a score. Senior Mason Rus had 13 carries for 39 yards and a score.
Congratulations to both teams on an amazing season!
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