The Chillicothe Hornets traveled to St Joseph on Friday Night to take on the Benton Cardinals in the regular season finale. Chillicothe entered 4-4 and 2-3 in the MEC while Benton was still looking for their first conference win of the year.
The Hornets fumbled on their opening drive which resulted in Benton putting up the first points of the game with a 2 yard rushing TD from Quarterback Boston Cook. Chillicothe marched down the field and tied the contest up at 7-7 when Silas Midgyett scored on a 13 yard run. On the ensuing kickoff, Kale Oliver squibbed a ball that bounced off a bunch of Cardinals before being recovered by Chillicothe’s Landon Bailey. Drake Swift capped off the short field with a 25 yard score and Chillicothe was ahead 13-7 after the first quarter.
The Hornets struggled with turnovers throughout the game, throwing three interceptions along with the early fumble. Meanwhile, Benton’s passing game was clicking. Cook threw for over 200 yards and added rushing touchdowns in the 2nd and 3rd quarters to put Benton ahead 19-13.
The Hornets were within one score with five minutes to go when Benton’s Xander Tiller ripped off a 65 yard run to seal the game with a score.
Benton’s 27-13 win on Senior Night was their 2nd victory of the season and drops Chillicothe to 4-5 on the year. The Hornets will play in the first round of the Class 3 District 8 tournament next Friday.