Kirtland ran for 550 yards in a 63-6 win over visiting Hawken on Friday, but more importantly, the Hornets completed their sixth perfect regular season since 2008 and claimed another Chagrin Valley Conference championship.
“One of our goals this year was to go 10-0 and win the CVC,” said Joey Torok, who ran for 158 yards on just five carries and scored two touchdowns. “We came up short of that last year, so we were motivated to get back on top.”
Kirtland led 35-0 by the end of the first quarter and built a 49-6 lead at halftime.
Dylan Aquila, Ryan Lipps, Anthony DeMarco, Mike Rus, Mason Sullivan and Luke Gardner also scored touchdowns on offense and Max Janas returned an interception for a touchdown on defense.
Seventeen different Kirtland players recorded at least one carry as the Hornets rushed for 534 yards on 47 tries.
“Those 500 yards are all because of the offensive line,” Torok said. “They have been dominant all season and they continued that tonight. The JVs broke off some nice runs and it was nice seeing what our future teams can do against some varsity players.”
Hawken was held to just 67 yards of total offense in the game with 41 of them coming on a second quarter touchdown pass from T.J. Perusek to Sam Makuch.
Kirtland clinched a home game in Week 11. The Hornets’ opponent will be announced on Sunday.
“We are very confident right now, especially after beating (Cuyahoga) Heights last week,” Torok said. “That was a big confidence booster because they are a great team, but we have to remain focused on the playoffs and not take anyone for granted. Right now, it’s one game at a time.”
