Hornets dominate Chesapeake in first week of OVC play
By: Lucy Schaefer
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CHESAPEAKE, Ohio (WOUB) – The Coal Grove Hornets (2-2) traveled to meet the Chesapeake Panthers (3-1) to open conference play this week, prevailing 44-14.
Chesapeake came into this game with a chip on their shoulders. They began last season 3-0 after beating Symmes Valley, Oak Hill, and Southern to open the season. Week four in 2023 was the beginning of their seven-game losing streak. The Panthers began this season 3-0, beating the same three opponents to open this season. Their game against Coal Gove was a true test of whether they can change their record from last season.
The Coal Grove Hornets were looking to continue a winning streak after their first victory against Meigs last week. They opened the season 0-2, losing to Greenup County 37-14 and Valley 30-16.
Chesapeake opened the game with possession, but that would not last long after a fumble from a high snap gave the ball to Coal Grove on the first play. The Hornets scored later in their drive, with a one-yard run from RB Caden Turner. A two-point conversation made the score 8-0 early in the first quarter. The Panthers got the ball back but would lose possession again. QB Jacob Harris’ pass, intended for Drew Plantz, was intercepted by a Hornet defender, putting the Coal Grove offense back on the field again. They would score again with a long run from Kaden Murphy.
Another turnover from the Panthers put the ball right back in the hands of the Murphy and Coal Grove offense. The running back scored his second touchdown of the quarter to make it 24-0 Coal Grove. Chesapeake would finally get on the board in the last play of the first quarter with a 68-yard reception from Harris to receiver Ethan Kerns.
The Hornets responded near the beginning of the second quarter when Turner barreled in for another score. Coal Grove went up 32-8 with 9:10 left in the half. After a turnover on downs for the Panthers, Coal Grove took over and QB Rylan Smith took off for around a 55-yard touchdown. The Hornets extended their lead to 38-8 after a stopped two-point conversion.
Both teams scored one more touchdown each: Murphy with a 30-yard run halfway through the third quarter. Chesapeake responded with 42 seconds left in the quarter with a 1-yard QB rush from Harris.
Coach Jay Lucas said a win means more than just a win after his team came together over the passing of a player’s father this week. Coal Grove also dealt with two threats to their school this week. Lucas described this week as a trying one.
“We talk about family at our school, and we wanted to come together as a group and play for those boys that lost their parents,” Lucas said. “Coal Grove is special. When one of us hurts, all of us do.”