News Summary

In a thrilling high school football match, the Kirtland Hornets triumphed over the Perry Pirates with a decisive 44-24 victory. This game showcased Kirtland’s exceptional talent and determination, maintaining their undefeated streak and solidifying their position as the top-ranked team in Division VI. The Hornets produced an impressive offensive display, with standout performances from key players, while the Pirates struggled to keep pace. As both teams look ahead to their upcoming matches, this clash will be remembered as a pivotal moment in their season.

Kirtland Hornets Fly High, Overpower Perry Pirates in a Thrilling Clash!

In a nail-biting high school football showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Kirtland Hornets soared past the Perry Pirates with a decisive 44-24 victory. This exciting match took place on September 5, 2025, in the vibrant town of Kirtland, Ohio, and showcased the incredible talent and determination of the home team.

Unstoppable Hornets Maintain Winning Streak

With this significant win, the Hornets have now improved their record to an impressive 3-0 for the season. Riding high on their early success, Kirtland is currently ranked No. 1 in Division VI of the state football poll. In fact, they secured a whopping eight first-place votes, solidifying their status as a team to beat. Meanwhile, the visiting Perry Pirates, ranked No. 18, entered the game looking to make their mark but found themselves facing a fierce opponent ready to dominate.

Fast Paced Action Right from the Start

From the get-go, fans were treated to an action-packed game. Perry’s Traxton Richards electrified the crowd by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown, giving the Pirates an early lead. However, Kirtland quickly responded with their star player, Ty Bledsoe, who dashed through the field on the Hornets’ very first play for a stunning 65-yard touchdown. What a way to even the score early on!

Just when it looked like Kirtland could pull ahead, Perry showcased their talent too, and with a 27-yard touchdown pass from McKoy Richards to Justin Costello, they led 21-14 late in the first quarter. But Kirtland wasn’t about to back down. In a thrilling exchange, the Hornets tied the game at 21 on the first play of the second quarter with a 22-yard touchdown run from Jake LaVerde, followed by another touchdown from LaVerde that put them ahead for good shortly after.

Pivotal Moments and Key Players

The game saw a huge momentum shift as Kirtland’s defense stepped up, though a potential long touchdown pass was called back due to a holding penalty just before halftime. But Kirtland’s willpower was unwavering. After the break, they struck again with a 12-yard run from John Silvestro and added a two-point conversion, extending their lead further.

Perry managed to sneak in a field goal from Colton Crissinger in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to catch up to the Hornets. In the fourth quarter, Kirtland sealed the deal with a game-breaking 53-yard run by Bledsoe, followed by another successful two-point conversion by Silvestro. The final numbers told the story – Kirtland outrushed Perry 490 yards to 247 yards, showing their dominance on the ground.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles, Kirtland’s key rushers helped drive the team to success: Jake LaVerde with an astounding 197 yards and 3 touchdowns, Ty Bledsoe contributing 182 yards and 2 touchdowns, and John Silvestro adding a solid 109 yards and 1 touchdown. On the other side of the field, Perry’s quarterback tandem of Nate Trefzger and McKoy Richards combined for a meager total of 116 yards passing, showing the challenges they faced against a superior defense.

However, the game was not without its concerns. McKoy Richards was injured late in the contest and had to be taken off on a stretcher, raising concern among fans and teammates alike. Perry’s coach acknowledged the difficulty of the match-up, highlighting that this loss serves as motivation for improvement moving forward.

Kirtland’s coach recognized the importance of this game for their team’s growth and playoff readiness. Looking ahead, Perry (now 2-1) is set to host Chardon in Week 4 while Kirtland prepares for a showdown against Fairview. With so much at stake, the excitement for the rest of the season is palpable!

Stay tuned for more thrilling high school football action!

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