Austin Hannah, Contributor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
CHILLICOTHE — Friday was just the latest milestone in the already historic, yet young two-year career of Cartae Ligon’s.
Having already set the program’s single-game rushing record, Ligon became the first Cavalier to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a season on Friday.
The sophomore star accomplished that feat by carrying the ball 34 times to the tune of 312 yards, scoring all five touchdowns in a 36-14 victory over McClain in FAC action.
“It all starts with the offensive line, and I feel like those guys are getting better every week as a unit,” Ligon said. “The holes they create get bigger and bigger by the week, and they’re fixing every little mistake they’re making. I couldn’t do it without those guys.”
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Chillicothe (6-3, 3-1 FAC) wasted no time getting the scoring started in Week 9.
On the first play from scrimmage, Ligon took a handoff and gashed McClain’s defense for a 60-yard touchdown, putting the Cavs ahead 7-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, however, Holden Lyons found a seam and took it back 85 yards for a touchdown, putting McClain (3-6, 0-4 FAC) ahead 8-7 after a successful two-point try.
The Cavaliers responded to the quick strike with an eight-play drive, one that included a heavy dose of Ligon.
One carry after another, he, and the o-line, carried his team down the field and cashed in on a three-yard rushing score that put CHS ahead 15-8 after a converted two-point try of their own.
After forcing a punt, Chillicothe began to create some distance.
The Cavaliers attacked through the air, thanks to Andrew Hamman, and on the ground, thanks to Jordan Suwannising and Hamman. Ligon finished off the 13-play drive with a one-yard plunge, his third touchdown of the evening, for a 22-8 advantage.
“The goal is always to start fast and not let up, and I thought our guys did a great job of that,” Chillicothe coach T.J. Carper said. “McClain getting that kickoff return after we scored kind of put things back into perspective for us that we have to step up in all phases of the game and make plays as well. But the guys did very well locking back in to handle their business.”
Taking over at midfield following a turnover on downs, Hamman spread the ball out with passes to Kavon Pleasant, Karter Williams, and Ligon. The drive ended with Ligon’s fourth score on a 16-yard rush, pushing the lead to 29-7 at halftime.
Out of the break, McClain regained some footing when Hudson Lovett connected with Easton Ary for a 47-yd gain to put the offense in striking distance. Lovett finished the drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak, cutting into the Cavaliers’ lead, 29-14.
The Tigers looked to mount a late comeback in the fourth, but time was not on their side.
Meanwhile, Chillicothe used plenty of time, stringing together a 12-play drive that Ligon finished with a three-yard touchdown to end the night and put the victory on ice.
“We didn’t hit many of our goals in the second half, aside from closing out for the win, and that’s something we have to work on this week,” Carper said. “We have to start fast each half and finish the job, whether on offense or defense. It was a little disappointing we didn’t, but that’s what we’ll evaluate and get fixed going into Jackson.”
Chillicothe will play for a share of the FAC title on Friday, traveling to Jackson. McClain will end its season at home against Hillsboro.
“Jackson has always been the top dog ever since I started playing football, and that’s the rivalry for us,” Chillicothe’s Connor Bolen said. “It hasn’t been as competitive over the last few years, but we feel that we have the team to get it done. Since December, every break we’ve had ended with either ‘FAC champs’ or ‘Beat Jackson.’ That’s the goal, so hopefully we’ll get the job done come Friday.”
SPONSORED BY HOMELAND CREDIT UNION
