Kirtland perfect in state semis

The Fort Frye Cadets won’t just be trying to do something no one has done this year when they face Kirtland in a Division VI state semifinal on Nov. 23.

The Cadets will also be trying to do something no one has done — ever.

When Kirtland and Fort Frye meet up at Massillon Jackson for a 7 p.m. kickoff, the Hornets will do so having never lost a state semifinal game.

Under coach Tiger LaVerde, the Hornets are 6-0 in state semifinal games.

They are 3-3 in state championship games.

“We’ve been fortunate to win all of those semifinal games,” LaVerde said.

“There’s no secret to it. It’s the kids and the work they do in the offseason and practice. That’s what it’s all about.”

Not only has Kirtland won all six of its semifinal games, but the Hornets have been very stingy defensively in doing so. Their six semifinal wins are:

• 42-0 over Bucyrus Wynford in 2011

• 41-7 over Liberty Union in 2012

• 10-7 over Columbus Ready in 2013

• 28-7 over Lucasville Valley in 2014

• 13-9 over Grandview Heights in 2015

• 44-0 over NelsonvilleYork

in 2017.

Kirtland has outscored the opposition, 178-30, in those games.

“It’s one thing to get there,” LaVerde said. “It’s another thing to compete, win and move on to the finals.”

The winner between Kirtland (13-0) and Fort Frye (12-0) moves on to the state championship game to play the winner of Marion Local (12-1) and Seneca East (12-1).

LaVerde was still bubbling about his team’s regional final win over Mogadore 24 hours after the Hornets finished off a 20-14 victory.

The Hornets used a 14play, 70-yard drive to score the game-winning touchdown by Joey Torok with less than 10 seconds left in the game.

“I’ve always said I hope we’re losing in the fourth quarter, because I like our chances with our offensive

line and wearing people down a little bit,” LaVerde said. “It’s great for our kids, performing like that with everything on the line.”

LaVerde said his defense played a strong game despite giving up a rushing touchdown for the first time this season against Mogadore. He pointed out that Mogadore had six short fields to work with, taking possession inside the 50 yard line.

To come out with only

two scores was a victory for the Kirtland defense, LaVerde said.

“Mogadore is like looking in the mirror a little bit,” LaVerde said.

“They’ve got good tradition, tough kids, run two tights and two backs — a lot like us.

“To hold a team like that to 14 points, I’ll take it every time.”

Now it’s on to the state-semifinal round, where Kirtland has been perfect.