[ad_1]
CANFIELD, Ohio — Tommy Gogolin went off for 357 dashing yards and Rocco Alfieri scored 4 touchdowns as Kirtland powered its strategy to a 41-6 victory over Fort Frye within the Division VI state semifinals Saturday at South Vary Excessive Faculty.
The Hornets (15-0) will play Marion Native (15-0) in subsequent Saturday’s state championship recreation in Canton. The Cadets completed the 2022 season with a 13-2 document after making their third ever Remaining 4 look.
Kirtland’s highly effective dashing assault was on full show early, as Alfieri, who rushed 18 instances for 93 yards, discovered the top zone thrice within the first half to assist KHS go up 20-0.
Gogolin, who additionally carried 18 instances, scored from 61 yards out to ship the Hornets into the locker room with a 27-0 halftime benefit.
Fort Frye answered with a powerful drive within the third quarter. A 50-yard move from Clayton Miller to Braxton Brown, adopted by a 10-yard run by Austin Powell, helped arrange Owen Brown’s 1-yard landing run to get the Cadets inside three scores, 27-6.
Fort Frye’s momentum was shortly halted as Kirtland wanted simply two performs to reply. Gogolin discovered the top zone from 65 yards out to make it 34-6, and within the fourth Alfieri discovered the top zone for the fourth time on the night time to cap the scoring.
“Defensively within the second half I felt like we have been taking part in a lot better,” mentioned Fort Frye head coach Eric Huck. “It appeared like we have been both making an enormous cease or they have been making an enormous play. Lots of instances it seemed like we had them wrapped up on the line of scrimmage, however then they discovered a crease and a pair instances they took it to the home.”
Kirtland totaled 550 yards of offense, together with 467 on 45 rushes. Quarterback Jake Laverde added 83 yards on 3 of 8 passing, together with a 46-yard strike to Philip Laverde and a 32-yarder to Gogolin, who completed with 389 whole yards.
Fort Frye’s offense got here out buzzing and put collectively a powerful opening drive. The Cadets have been methodical, as Miller accomplished a 14-yard move to Ethan Duskey on a third-and-8 and later ran for five yards on a fourth-and-5. From the Kirtland 24, Miller threw a strike to Braxton Brown ultimately zone, however the ball was jarred lose when Brown hit the bottom. The subsequent play, although, Brown caught a 9-yard move to maneuver FFHS nearer. With first-and-10 from the 11, Miller tried to seek out Brown once more however Kirtland was referred to as for move interference to arrange first-and-goal. The Cadets tried as soon as extra to focus on Brown ultimately zone, however this time Kirtland acquired strain on Miller and compelled a throw behind Brown that was intercepted by Will Bates.
“We had that good first drive there, then had that interception,” coach Huck mentioned. “I felt like we have been shifting the ball nicely at instances. At instances defensively we seemed actually good, they’re simply an excellent soccer workforce. When you don’t do the suitable factor each time, they’re going to make you pay.”
Kirtland then put collectively a 13-play, 93-yard drive that made it 14-0. After the Cadets have been compelled to punt on their ensuing possession, the Hornets have been in whole management.
“After they went down and scored and went up two scores, that simply form of modified the momentum and all the things of that recreation,” coach Huck mentioned. “Might’ve performed higher.”
Fort Frye was held to 124 dashing yards on 36 carries. Owen Brown led the workforce with 44 yards on 11 rushes. Miller accomplished 8 of 16 passes for 96 yards. He was intercepted thrice — as soon as by Bates and twice by Gino Blasini. His prime goal was Braxton Brown, who caught 4 passes for 74 yards. Brown additionally had an interception on protection whereas Zaiden Huck had a team-high 9 tackles.
“It’s an extended season to play 15 video games,” coach Huck mentioned. “Our guys are beat up. They’ve been working so extraordinarily laborious. This group of seniors is a superb group. They gained two regional championships of their 4 years they have been right here. They’ve been nice leaders, performed so laborious and labored so laborious over the past 4 years. Hate for it to be the top.”
Jordan Holland may be reached at jholland@mariettatimes.com.
At this time’s breaking information and extra in your inbox
[ad_2]
Source link