The Chillicothe Hornets football team entered Friday nights contest against Lafayette looking for their first Midland Empire Conference win of the season. On a raucous Homecoming night, the Hornets provided the home fans a lot to cheer about from the opening kick.
Chillicothe quarterback Landon Bailey delivered an absolute dime down the field to Jaishon White on the opening possession for 43 yards that set the Hornets up in the red-zone. Drake Swift capped the drive off with a 4 yard touchdown and Chillicothe took a quick 7-0 lead. After a 3 and out, Henry Hurtgen busted a 63 yard score, breaking a slew of tackles along the way.
Entering the 2nd quarter Chillicothe was ahead 14-0 with the defense dominating. Lafayette did not manage a first down until midway through the 2nd quarter but the Hornets defense delivered with a 4th down stop after Lafayette was set up with excellent field position thanks to the Fighting Irish blocking a punt. Hurtgen added his 2nd rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter and Chillicothe took a 21-0 advantage into the half.
The 3rd quarter saw solid defense from both sides and the score remained in place until the 4th quarter when Hurtgen completed his hat trick. Henry Hurtgen finished the contest with 12 carries, 167 yards and 3 touchdowns in a dominant performance.
Chillicothe wasn’t done scoring just yet. The Hornets defense got into the act when Jaishon White scooped up a strip sack and returned the fumble 46 yards for a defensive score. Chillicothe did not let up for the full 48 minutes, shutting out the Irish and winning on Homecoming night 35-0.
The victory improves Chillicothe to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in the MEC. The Hornets will be on the road at Savannah next Friday.