The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
The lowdown
Reigning Division VI state champion Kirtland hasn’t lost a step since its championship run last season and looks to be on the right track to another after demolishing rival Berkshire, 42-0.
It was all Hornets from the first snap, taking a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Capping off the Kirtland offense in the first quarter was Brett Diemer, who scored on runs of 3 and 8 (81 yards on nine carries), as well as a 2-yard touchdown run from fullback Kevin Dages (53 yards on seven carries).
Berkshire showed glimpses of hope throughout the first half in the passing game and quarterback Joe Hauser. Hauser completed 10 passes for 121 yards, four of which were caught by senior receiver Emil Hess for 41 yards.
Kirtland held strong in the second half, continuing to ground and pound and using 10 different players in the running game.
The defense was based heavily on rushing the passer, forcing Hauser out of the pocket and stopping the run game, allowing only 15 yards rushing from the Badgers.
In a run-heavy offense, quarterback Dylan Fulco dropped back to pass only nine times, but he found senior receiver Palmer Capretta twice in the end zone on scores of 5 and 16.
Top players
KIRTLAND >> Dylan Fulco: 3-for-9 for 26 yards and two TD passes. Also had 6 carries for 34 yards; Joey Torok: 15 carries for 118 yards; Brett Diemer: nine carries for 81 yards and two rushing TDs; Kevin Dages: seven carries for 53 yards and one TD; Antonio Rini: four carries for 29 yards and one TD; Palmer Capretta: two catches for 21 yards and two TDs BERKSHIRE >> Joe Hauser: 10