KIRTLAND–Two of Kirtland’s biggest playmakers made an immediate impact on the 2018 season in leading the Hornets to a 43-0 win over visiting Chagrin Falls at Rogers Field on Friday.
After the Hornets forced a Chagrin Falls punt on the Tigers’ opening possession of the game, Joey Torok blocked a punt and two plays later Jake Neibecker scored on a nine-yard run to give the Hornets a 7-0 lead.
Neibecker, who ran for 119 yards on just 10 carries, broke a 42-yard touchdown run four minutes later.
Torok, who led all ball carriers with 122 rushing yards on 10 carries, added a one-yard plunge in the second quarter as the Hornets took a 21-0 lead into the locker room.
Mason Sullivan had a 10-yard touchdown run erased by penalty in the third quarter. He ran for a 15-yard score on the next play and the Hornets invoked the running clock following Luke Gardner’s 28-yard scoring run later in the third.
Mason Rus closed out the scoring with a four-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Tommy Powers completed 3-of-5 passes for the Hornets for 29 yards in the win.
Kirtland outgained the Tigers, 413-183.
Sean Cusack completed 7-of-15 passes for 78 yards to lead the Tigers. Mick Lawrence ran for 75 yards on 12 carries.
