General | August 29, 2019 | 22:42
If you like seeing points scored, the much-anticipated rematch between Clinton Township Chippewa Valley and Saline from Week 1 a season ago did not disappoint. The reigning Division 1 champion Big Reds, on the heels of a strong game on the ground, came out on top, 35-21, in the nightcap on day one of the 2019 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic. Dating back to last season, they have now won 15 straight games.
This year's matchup started with a bang. The Hornets struck first on a 67-yard TD run by senior running back Cade Gilless at the 10:27 mark in the first quarter, and the Big Reds answered right back with a touchdown of their own.
On the ensuing kickoff, Chippewa Valley senior Carde' Johnson took it to the house for a 78-yard kickoff return touchdown, tying up the game at seven with 10:16 to play in the quarter.
And the offensive fireworks didn't stop there.
Chippewa Valley punched it in twice more before the end of the half, via two rushing scores from senior Antwaine Gunter: a two-yard score with 1:09 to play in the first quarter and a seven-yard score with less than a minute to play in the second quarter.
Senior running back Myren Harris also played a pivotal role in the Big Reds' prowess on the ground in the first half. He had 83 rushing yards by the end of the half.
Harris couldn't be stopped in the second half, either. He led Chippewa Valley on both of their scoring drives in the half, and capped each of them off with a rushing score. His standout performance, which included 169 rushing yards, earned him the Legacy Football Most Outstanding Player award for Chippewa Valley.
Along with Harris' elusiveness, a significant reason for his dynamite performance was the Big Reds' senior-laden offensive line, which opened up holes for him all night long.
"If you want me to be honest, the only thing I see when I'm running is my line opening up holes for me," Harris said. "So, without them, none of my touchdowns or numbers would even be possible."
Gilless put up a strong performance for the Hornets in the loss. He finished with two touchdowns, and subsequently was named the Legacy Football Most Outstanding Player for Saline.
The third and final score for Saline came via a 24-yard touchdown throw from sophomore quarterback Larry Robinson to senior wideout Kolton Malinczak with 1:19 left.
"This win builds our confidence and our morale, as well as our team camaraderie and trust in one another," Harris said.
Chippewa Valley is now 5-0 all-time in the Prep Kickoff Classic, while Saline drops to 3-2 all-time in the PKC.
