Hornets top TCC, look to clinch outright IVC North title Friday

Like and Share this story on Facebook

CCM Staff Report

Malvern clinched at least a share of the Inter Valley Conference North title Saturday when the Hornets knocked off Tuscarawas Central Catholic 41-0 in New Philadelphia.

The Hornets will be looking for their fifth straight conference title this Friday when they travel to East Canton to face the Hornets.

Saturday’s game afforded Malvern Coach Matt Chiurco and his staff the opportunity to provide playing time to many different players.

“It was a good night for us, in that all players got to contribute to a win that clinched at least a share of the IVC North title,” he said. “We scored in all facets of the game tonight: offense, defense and special teams. We only ran four offensive plays tonight and had zero first downs, which is something you never see.”

Senior Julius Gore put the first points on the board for Malvern with 70-yard kickoff return. Junior Owen Ball intercepted a Central Catholic pass and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Jared Witherow’s only pass of the game was a 20-yard strike to Rodney Smith for a touchdown, still in the first period. Gore returned a punt 40 yards to close out the scoring in the first quarter, followed by a two-point conversion run. Kaden Dennis added the extra point following the Ball touchdown and the Hornets led 27-0 after the first quarter.

Clayton Abel scored on a 22-yard run in the second period and Jaxon Jones threw an 84-yard touchdown pass to Luke Thomas in the fourth period. Dennis added the extra point on each score.

Kickoff Friday is at 7 p.m. at East Canton.