Sports
Chillicothe Smokes Hillsboro in FAC Battle
By: Connor Mills
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Homecoming night was a good one for the Chillicothe Cavaliers (4-2) as they faced the Hillsboro Indians (4-2) on Herrnstein Field.
This was the first matchup between the two teams as new Frontier Athletic Conference opponents and Chillicothe had no issue earning the 42-20 win.
The Cavaliers started out hot with Connor Mathis capping off a drive that included 13 plays, scoring from three yards out to give Chillicothe an early 7-0 lead.
Hillsboro tried to respond in the second quarter but had trouble keeping the ball. To start the quarter, the Indians fumbled while trying to rush and then later, Mason Swayne threw a pick.
Hillsboro’s defense was able to bail them out the first time but could not contain the athleticism of Branden Maughmer for much longer.
Maughmer struggled with his passes, often overthrowing his receivers but had no issues with his legs. Rushing for 13-yard , 54-yard , and three-yard touchdowns he looked unstoppable. He played up to his stat line and better. Maughmer finished 9-17, 74 yards passing, 21 carries for 211 yards with 3 touchdowns.
Hillsboro struggled on both sides of the ball. Mason Swayne was unable to get anything significant going on offense besides a touchdown pass to running back Joshua Keets. This is a huge credit to the Chillicothe defense as they were able to cool down an offense that scored 48, 57, and 37 points over the past three games.
The Indians once again struggled with penalties on the defense. Last week they were able to outscore Clermont Northeastern 37-6, and the penalties did not matter. Twice tonight on fourth down the defense was called for encroachment, both drives led to Cavaliers scores.
Hillsboro was able to score two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter via Mason Lewis.
Looks like the FAC Power rankings will undergo some changes after the first week of FAC competition.
Chillicothe has its last home game of the regular season against winless McClain.
Hillsboro has a date with the Washington Court House Blue Lions (3-3) who could present a challenge to teams getting to know each other in the new conference.