Marion Local avenges loss, secures 10th title

CANTON — Players and coaches for the Maria Stein Marion Local apparently have memories like elephants.

Motivated by a rare loss to Kirtland in the 2015 state final, the Flyers took no prisoners in smacking down the Hornets 34-11 in the Division VI championship game on Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

“This was all about two years ago,” Notre Damebound senior offensive tackle/defensive end John Dirksen said, referring to a 22-20 loss that ended a streak of four straight titles for Marion Local. “They not only beat us, but they embarrassed the program. You can believe that was great motivation in practice this week and on the field today.”

In winning their sixth title in seven years and 10th overall, the Flyers (15-0) pinned a running clock on the Hornets in the fourth quarter, courtesy of the national mercy rule.

“We had a goal all week that we wanted to come here and play our best because we felt like the last two times here we really didn’t,” Marion Local coach Tim Goodwin said. “I honestly feel like we achieved that today in all phases.”

Kirtland (14-1) drove the field on its opening drive, but settled for a field goal against a stout Marion Local defense that had posted five shutouts.

The Flyers were forced into a three-and-out on their opening series, but Kirtland’s Joey Torok muffed the punt catch and Marion Local recovered. It turned out to be a pivotal play. The Flyers scored on their next three series and took a commanding 20-3 lead to halftime.

“It definitely gave us a boost,” Goodwin said. “It kick-started us for sure, but I’m not sure it changed the game.”

Quarterback Nathan Bruns completed 10 of 15 passes for 178 yards and two TDs, both to receiver Nick Tangeman (six receptions for 120 yards). Even more significant was the fact that Marion Local converted 11 of 13 third down plays.

“Nate extended some of those drives with great throws or by using his frame to stretch the ball over the marker,” Goodwin said. “We got ourselves in favorable situations to move the chains, as well.”

The Flyers defense limited Kirtland to 184 total yards.

“I feel this game is about matchups, and our defense stacked up well against what Kirtland likes to do,” Goodwin said, referring to the Hornets’ run-heavy scheme.

Marion Local joined Minster (Division VII) in handing the Midwest Athletic Conference a 38th state title.