Cavs run past Blue Lions

Brock Netter,

CHILLICOTHE - It’s safe to say Chillicothe got its frustration out Friday night.

Following a heartbreaking setback against Clinton-Massie last Friday, the Cavaliers (7-2, 5-1 SCOL) rebounded on Senior Night with a 42-6 thrashing against the Washington Court House Blue Lions.

“We were flat during practice this week because we poured out so much emotion last week, and that was something we were worried about,” Chillicothe coach Ron Hinton said. “Court House has a lot of talent and kids who can really play. But we came out and went straight to work. We weren’t flashy offensively; it was just one play at a time. We overcame our mistakes along with a mess of penalties and I’m really glad to see our seniors go out the way they did.”

Chillicothe opened its first possession a little slow, but continued to chug right along. They faced a 4th down in Blue Lion' territory, but Branden Maughmer hit Tre Brown for 16 yards to keep the drive going.

Two plays later, Maughmer threw a perfect pass over the head of a Blue Lion defender and into the arms of Zach Coats for a 10-yard touchdown, giving the Cavaliers a 7-0 lead with 6:44 to go.

It was Court House’s chance to respond, but on the third play of its drive, they fumbled and Chillicothe’s Khaleel Danzy picked up the ball and sprinted 37 yards for the scoop and score. After the kick, the lead was upped to 14-0 with 6:44 to play.

“We’re an opportunistic team,” Hinton said. “Credit to Coach (Jeff) Arndt and the defensive staff. The defense is doing a really great job each and every week. We gave up a few yards and only six points. These kids have really bought into the program and they continue to grow not only physically, but even more mentally.”

The Blue Lions’ next offensive possession looked promising, but they ultimately punted and the Cavs took advantage. On 3rd and 14, Maughmer threw a screen pass to Coats and he weaved his way through the defense for a 70-yard gain before being brought down at the 14-yard line.

That’s when Chillicothe's offense got in its own way. Maughmer ran the ball in for a touchdown, but it was called back for holding. Two plays later, Maughmer threw for a touchdown, but once again it was called back for a penalty that ended the first quarter.

After a reverse pass from Connor Mathis to Maughmer for 18 yards, Maughmer called his own number and found paydirt from seven yards out. The lead was now at 21-0 with 11:52 left in the second quarter.

Court House’s next offensive drive was short-lived. A third-down pass was picked off by Danzy and downed at the Blue Lion' 32-yard line. On the first play of the Cavalier' drive, Maughmer found A.J. Corbin streaking downfield for a 32-yard touchdown toss, extending the lead to 28-0 with 10:58 left.

“Khaleel hasn’t had the ball thrown his way much lately,” Hinton said. “But you see why now. He’s a special player who makes plays anytime he’s on the field. And Branden continues to improve and lead this team. He made one mistake, but it’s a learning curve.”

The Blue Lions scored their only points of the game on a drive that took just under six minutes, capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Richard Burns. Their point after was missed to make the score 28-6 with 4:57 remaining.

In the third quarter, both teams struggled to find the end zone. Court House fumbled on its first possession, which Chillicothe recovered. However, the Cavaliers punted back to the Blue Lions. That possession ended with the Blue Lions going for it on fourth down and coming up short, giving the Cavaliers back possession.

They capitalized, as Maughmer found Seth Barnes for a 20-yard touchdown completion, his third touchdown pass of the night. The point after hit the goal post and bounced out, leaving the score at 34-6 with 1:01 left.

The final score of the night was a 13-yard touchdown run by Seth Barnes, who called his own number and ran over the Blue Lions' defense. The point after was good, rounding out the final score.

“For these 15 seniors to go out like this is great,” Hinton said. “I’m really proud of all of them and how they conduct themselves with class. They’re going to be the first class to go to the playoff three straight years, and that shows how far this program has come. These kids have put in a lot of time and dedication and we haven’t peaked yet. We’re playing good football, but the best is yet to come.”

Maughmer led the Cavaliers, going 12-of-19 passing for 227 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. He also added 16 rushes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Coats had four catches for 97 yards with a touchdown; Corbin had two catches for 47 yards and a touchdown, while Barnes had a receiving touchdown, a rushing touchdown and an interception.

Chillicothe has its final showdown of the regular season Friday when it travels to Wilmington for a high stakes playoff contention game.

“We have to execute better offensively,” Hinton said. “We have our guys set in a routine and we’ll continue to practice hard. The best thing for us is that we’re healthy and we haven’t had any major injuries. That’s credit to Coach Arndt’s weight program, the kids’ work ethic and credit to them for putting themselves in the right position to succeed. Another tough game next week and we’re playing possibly for a home playoff game. It’s a great day to be a Cavalier.”