The Chillicothe Hornets were looking to turn the tables after Marshall got the best of them in last year’s season opener. In front of an energetic home crowd, the Hornets had high energy from the start. Logan Murrell returned the opening kickoff into Marshall territory and just a few plays later was on the receiving end of a 26 yard pass from sophomore quarterback Cooper Robinson. Murrell juggled the ball but ultimately hauled it in for the first six points of the game. Robinson then found Jaishon White on a similar looking circus-like catch for the two point conversion and the Hornets raced out to an 8-0 lead.
Marshall moved the ball across midfield, but on a 3rd and long the Hornets defense disrupted Owls quarterback Chase Thompson, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Chillicothe’s Trent Menconi. Silas Midgyett converted the turnover into points. The Hornets held a 16-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Marshall answered in the 2nd quarter, capping off a long drive with a one yard rushing touchdown on 4th and goal from Jordan Jackson. The teams hit halftime with the Hornets ahead 16-6.
Chillicothe’s defense forced a quick 3 and out to open the 3rd quarter. Midgyett then toted the rock on 7 straight carries totaling 96 yards and tallying his 2nd touchdown of the night. The senior running back finished with over 200 yards on the ground in the game. The Hornets then recovered their 2nd fumble on the night, this time off an errant pitch play as freshman defensive end Tyler Lehman jumped on the ball. On the ensuing offensive possession Jack Marshall, with his first carry of the game took it to the house and the Hornets had a 32-6 advantage going into the 4th quarter.
The final score of the game was Robinson’s 2nd passing TD of the night, this one to White from one yard out, as Chillicothe cruised to victory in the season opener 40-6. The Hornets were impressive on both sides of the ball, scoring 5 touchdowns on just seven possessions and completing the 2 point conversion on all five attempts. Defensively Chillicothe forced three turnovers, and allowed just one touchdown. The Hornets outgained the Owls 385 yards to 143, including over 250 rushing yards to go along with 119 through the air. Chillicothe improves to 1-0 on the season and the Hornets will travel to Kirksville next Friday night to take on the Tigers.
