Cuyahoga Heights Redskins advance to State Final Four after a 17-0 victory over Kirtland Hornets

SOLON, OHIO– Going into Friday Night’s game between the Kirtland Hornets and the Cuyahoga Heights Redskins, the Redskins were looking to make their first final four appearance since 1998. Kirtland on the other hand was looking for their sixth consecutive state final four appearance, in which the Hornets have won the Division VI Championship three times out of the last 5 appearances. Last year, the Redskins and Hornets faced off in Regional Finals action for Division VI and Kirtland came away with the victory 34-13 advancing to the state final four.

During the first quarter, the Hornets tried to establish a trick play when they pitched it to their running back Joey Torok and he went on to pass but the ball was intercepted. With 2:16 left in the quarter, Brett Lowther punted on 4th down at the Hornets 33 yard line and pinned Kirtland down at their 1 yard line.

In the second quarter, the defense continued to stay strong for both teams until under a minute left when Lowther connected with his wide receiver Dylan Drummond for a 22 yard touchdown reception with :51 seconds left in the half. This gave the Redskins the lead going into halftime with a score of 7-0.

During the third quarter of the game, some odd things began to happen. The scoreboard was going through some difficulties , freezing at 9:17 for about 5 minutes until they had to unplug the scoreboard and reset it. After the reset the scoreboard was up and running for the rest of the game. Kirtland pinned the Redskins at the Redskin 11 yard line after a punt. Soon after the punt, Lowther and Drummond connected once again but this time for an 89 yard touchdown reception.

In the final quarter, Cuyahoga Heights secured their victory over Kirtland with a field goal from Mark Shafer with 2:53 left in the 4th , extending the Redskins lead to 17-0.

This was the first time since 2005 that Kirtland had been shut out twice in the same season.

Cuyahoga Heights Redskins Head Coach, Al Martin, comments on he feels knowing that he and his players are going to the State Final Four since 1998.

“It’s great to see smiles on their faces and how excited they are to keep playing. They have had lofty goals since the beginning of the season. Anytime as a teacher and coach to see your kids reach their goals it’s a great feeling.”

Cuyahoga Heights Redskins Senior Fullback and Nose Guard, Nick Frye, comments on how it feels knowing that his team is in the State Final Four.

“As a kid you are watching in the stands, seeing great teams play like Kirtland.  To be in the Final Four, you can’t put words behind it. It is a childhood dream come true, but we still have a lot more to come. “

Cuyahoga Heights will be playing against Newark Catholic on Nov. 25 .

Player of the Game:
Dylan Drummond
6 receptions for 153 yards