Big plays propel Kirtland to D5 championship

CANTON, Ohio -- The reigning Division VI champion Kirtland Hornets used some big plays in the passing game to build an early lead before holding on to beat Ironton 17-7 to in the OHSAA Division V State Championship game on Saturday night in Canton.

The Hornets built a 17-0 lead with all three drives either setup or finished by long passing plays. Those explosive plays were the difference in a very evenly contested game which saw the Hornets put up 244 yards to Ironton's 253. Defense was the calling card of both programs all season long and yards were tough to come by for most of the evening for each offense.

Kirtland sophomore receiver Gage Sullivan was the exception to that rule, however. The lanky receiver hauled in three receptions for 85 yards. His first catch was a 47-yarder that would setup Kirtland's opening drive score. He would add a leaping 18-yard grab in the third quarter to give the Hornets a 17-0 cushion.

Ironton would answer that score with a big play of its own, a 77-yard pass from Gage Salyers to Jordan Grizzle with 1:02 left in the third quarter. Kirtland's defense would tighten up from there, however and allow the Hornets to notch yet another state championship.

Ohio State junior linebacker commit Reid Carrico paced the Ironton defense with 10 tackles, he also added 72 yards of offense.