Kirtland uses love of the game to defeat Versailles for OHSAA Division VI crown

The win gives Kirtland seven state championships and its first since 2020

CANTON, Ohio - Love what you do, do what you love.

It is a simple, yet powerful adage that Kirtland has taken to heart and it is one that helped lead the Hornets to a 32-15 win over Versailles Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in the OHSAA Division VI state championship game.

"You play much better when you're just out there playing with the guys you love and having fun," Kirtland head coach Tiger LaVerde said. "Rocco (Alfiieri) last week, it 0-0 at halftime and he busted a long run and third quarter it is 0-0 and he is just like 'coach, I love this (stuff). 

"And it was my pregame spot. You play better and it's not every day you get to compete at this level. And don't worry, there's nothing to worry about. Enjoy it. It's a game and I wanted these kids to know just love this (stuff)."

Kirtland did just that.

The Hornets took an early lead on their first possession when sophomore quarterback Jake LaVerde tried to run to the left side and fumbled, but the ball found its way into the arms of Gino Blasini in the end zone for a touchdown.

"It definitely boosted our energy," Blasini said. "Falling on the ball felt great. We knew that the weather was gonna play a big factor and we had to hold on to the ball but I was keeping my eyes and I ended up falling on the ball for a touchdown." 

Will Beers scored on the next possession on a 6-yard run to make it 13-0.

Versailles got on the board early in the second quarter on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Michael Osborne to AJ Griesdorn, but Beers answered with a 90-yard return for a touchdown on ensuing kickoff. It was the longest kick return in Division VI state championship history.

"His kick return when it was 13-7 was big," coach LaVerde said. "They had a little momentum. And I don't know how long it was 90 yards or something, but that was a big momentum change." 

A student wearing hornet headgear cheers for Kirtland during the 2022 Division VI state championship game. Photo credit: Jeff Harwell, SBLive Sports / Jeff Harwell, SBLive Sports

Rocco Alfieri added a touchdown run of two yards for the Hornets with 4:23 left in the third quarter after a 72-yard run by LaVerde.

Kirtland added another score int he fourth quarter when the Hornets again recovered their own fumble in the end zone, this time Will Sayle recovered for Kirtland.

"When (that) happens twice, it was really our day," coach LaVerde said. "Lightning doesn't usually strike once and then it struck twice today. These guys were active and paying attention."

That touchdown capped off a 16-play, 66-yard drive that chewed up 9:28 of game time.

"We were already up three scores, it was really important just to bleed (the clock) and these kids kept grinding out first downs," coach LaVerde said. "I was so proud of the guys up front they did a nice job and the backs ran hard and took care of the ball."

After taking home the runner-up trophy in each of the last two seasons, the Hornets were motivated to get the gold trophy this time.

"Losing the past two years, that was not fun at all," Blasini said. "All the work we put in, the grind, coming out on top as a senior it's just a blessing and a great feeling."

-- Ryan Isley | ryan@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveoh