CANTON, Ohio — The Kirtland Hornets can call themselves state champions after defeating the Ironton Fighting Tigers 17-7 in the Division V state title game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Saturday night.
Kirtland’s win marked the school’s second consecutive perfect season.
The Hornets took an early lead, scoring on their first drive in just two plays on a 27-yard touchdown run by Mason Sullivan.
#OHSAA D5 FOOTBALL: Kirtland scores in two plays on its first possession. Mason Sullivan runs it in from 27 yards out to give Kirtland a 7-0 lead over Ironton with 10:19 left in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/FA0Z4OYh7W
— Ohio High School Athletic Association (@OHSAASports) December 8, 2019
Kirtland increased the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter with a 21-yard field goal from Mario Roden.
#OHSAA D5 FOOTBALL: Kirtland's Mario Roden hits a 21-yard field goal to put the Hornets up 10-0 with 10:24 left in the half. pic.twitter.com/W4aIacs7JL
— Ohio High School Athletic Association (@OHSAASports) December 8, 2019
Hornets'’ quarterback Liam Powers found Gage Sullivan for an 18-yard touchdown pass to put Kirtland up 17-0 in the third quarter.
Ironton got themselves on the board with a 77-yard touchdown pass by Gage Salyers to Jordan Grizzle, the longest passing touchdown in Division V championship game history.
The Hornets hung-on to their lead, winning their second consecutive state championship.
