In the week 6 Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week, it was a clash between two strong programs as the Kirtland Hornets took on the Cuyahoga Heights Redskins at home. Both teams fought until the end, but it would be the Hornets that would come out on top 42-6. This week's game in Kirtland was Leukemia Lymphoma "Light the Night" night which helped raise funds for cancer awareness.
Cuyahoga Heights started the game with the ball, but Kirtland's dominating defense (allowing only 19 points on the season) forced a quick three and out. Senior running back Joey Torok took the first play from scrimmage for the Hornets for a 72-yard touchdown. It was déjà vu the next time the Hornets had the ball on offense. Torok took his very first carry of the next drive to the house for a 63-yard touchdown.
Kirtland had the momentum on their side after those monstrous plays on offense, but Cuyahoga Heights continued to fight. Junior quarterback Sam Shafer put together an impressive drive through the air for the Redskins. They marched the ball down the field to Kirtland's 5-yard line, but penalties stymied the drive and the Redskins settled for a field goal to put the score 14-3.
The lead quickly increased once Joey Torok ran the ball for another 63-yard touchdown. The Hornets had three total plays on offense for their first three drives, all of which went to Torok who had three carries for 198 yards and three touchdowns.
At the end of the 1st quarter, Kirtland led Cuyahoga Heights 21-3.
The Redskins continued to rely on their passing game. Shafer aired the ball out down the field, but the Hornets defense would come up with an interception on their own 15-yard line. The Hornets took advantage of the turnover and ran the ball down the field to give Torok his fourth rushing touchdown of the half.
Going into halftime, Kirtland lead Cuyahoga Heights 35-3.
Kirtland continued to run the ball behind their dominate offensive line led by right tackle Jack Bailey. On their second play of the half, Luke Gardner found the edge around his pulling guard and reeled off a 64-yard touchdown run to increase the lead 42-3. This would force a running clock in the second half and would ultimately seal the victory for the Hornets 42-6.
This week we had two MVPs - senior running back Joey Torok who finished the contest with 6 carries for 247 yards and 4 touchdowns and starting right tackle, Jack Bailey. Bailey played both sides of the ball throughout the game and made running lanes for Torok and the rest of the Hornets runningbacks.
No game is complete without an outstanding volunteer(s). This week we would like to recognize Tom Johnson and his crew who work the chains for each of Kirtland's home football games. Tom and his crew have been volunteering for the chain gang for 40+ years with the Hornets.