HS Football: Kirtland Rolls Past Shaker Heights 35-10 To Win 32nd Consecutive Game

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO – Kirtland has accomplished just about every achievement imaginable when it comes to the gridiron.

However, there was one hurdle that had yet to be crossed; playing a Division I opponent.

Not only did they play a Division I opponent in Shaker Heights on Saturday afternoon, they trounced them for a resounding 35-10 victory.

Despite the lopsided final score, this game did not start easy for Kirtland. The Hornets, who are usually pretty sure handed, fumbled away two possessions and threw an interception to Jahdae Walker in the red zone late in the first half.

After a punt on their first drive, Shaker forces a fumble to take over at the Kirtland 49.@kirtlandsports @raidersofshaker pic.twitter.com/FP8kibjOjy

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

The offense struggled for the Hornets, but the defense was dominant, per usual. The first score came with 9:00 in the second quarter when Joey Grazia took an interception back for a touchdown to make the score 7-0.

Week 2 Saturday Featured Game 🏈

2Q | 9:00
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 7
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 0

PICK 6! Joey Grazia takes it to the house to give the Hornets the lead.@kirtlandsports @hornetstatcrew @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside @BrownsYouthFB @realchalktalk pic.twitter.com/aSRZBgajnz

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

A 33-yard field goal by Shaker kicker Carson Fowler made the score 7-3 at halftime before a late interception, but that’s as close as the Red Raiders would get.

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*Halftime*
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 7
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 3

Kirtland threatened late in the half, but a great interception by Jahdae Walker takes away the opportunity.@kirtlandsports @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside @BrownsYouthFB pic.twitter.com/Mvo0Ddt9sc

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

Running back Mason Sullivan and the Hornets came swinging out of the intermission, starting the half with a quick drive that ended in a Sullivan touchdown carry.

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3Q | 9:50
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 14
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 3

Kirtland wastes no time extending their lead on this TD carry by Mason Sullivan.@kirtlandsports @hornetstatcrew @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside @BrownsYouthFB pic.twitter.com/Tl5pQsN4N1

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

Another touchdown carry by Sullivan and a touchdown reception by Gage Sullivan really put this game out of reach before the fourth quarter, with Kirtland leading 28-3.

Week 2 Saturday Featured Game 🏈

3Q | 1:58
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 21
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 3

Liam Powers connects with Gage Sullivan for a Kirtland touchdown! 🎥 ⬇️ @kirtlandsports @hornetstatcrew @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside @BrownsYouthFB @realchalktalk pic.twitter.com/7um9T9Ukke

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

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*End of the 3rd*
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 28
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 3

Mason Sullivan scores his 2nd TD of the game in the final seconds of the 3rd.@kirtlandsports @hornetstatcrew @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/O7j3qbVnEq

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

The game was more evenly played in the final frame, but the damage was already done. After an extended injury timeout for an injured Red Raider, Danny Davidson extended the Kirtland lead to 35-3 on a 6-yard touchdown carry.

Week 2 Saturday Featured Game 🏈

4Q | 10:55
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 35
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 3

Danny Davidson scores on a toss to the right side, extending the Kirtland lead.@kirtlandsports @hornetstatcrew @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside @BrownsYouthFB @realchalktalk pic.twitter.com/0FuhAiA10n

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

Shaker’s highlight of the game came with 2:14 left in the contest, when Adam Diaz hit Alex Benson for a 55-yard touchdown.

Week 2 Saturday Featured Game 🏈

4Q | 2:14
#10 Kirtland Hornets – 35
Shaker Heights Red Raiders – 10

Shaker picks up their first TD of the game on a 55-yard pass from Diaz to Benson.@kirtlandsports @hornetstatcrew @raidersofshaker @NEOSportsInside @BrownsYouthFB pic.twitter.com/yWr8YEaBtg

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) September 5, 2020

Unfortunately for Shaker Heights, it was too late for a comeback, as Kirtland went on to earn a 35-10 victory.

This game marked Kirtland’s 32nd consecutive victory, with their last loss coming on December 2nd, 2017 in the state championship.

Additionally, Kirtland is now 1-0 in school history against Division I opponents. They improve to 2-0 on the season, and will travel to Middlefield Cardinal (0-2) next Friday.

Shaker Heights drops to 0-1 on the season. They will travel to Garfield Heights (0-1) next Friday.

Box Score

Kirtland 0 7 21 7 35

Shaker 0 3 0 7 10

Top Performers

Kirtland

Passing: Liam Powers (2-5, 39 Yds, 1 TD)

Rushing: Mason Sullivan (16 Car, 149 Yds, 2 TD)

Receiving: Gage Sullivan (1 Rec, 17 Yds, 1 TD)

Shaker Heights

Passing: Adam Diaz (9-23, 132 Yds, 1 TD)

Rushing: Adam Diaz (15 Car, 49 Yds)

Receiving: Alex Benson (5 Rec, 107 Yds, 1 TD)