LOUDONVILLE — The past week has been loud for two rural Ashland County communities.
Social media was buzzing over the past few days as rivals Hillsdale and Loudonville prepared to meet. But what mattered most was which team could let its play do the talking.
The Falcons left no doubt Friday night.
After jumping to a 42-0 lead by halftime, Hillsdale (3-0) soared to a 55-6 victory over the Redbirds (2-1). The Falcons’ Week 3 win marked their fourth straight over Loudonville — a program first.
“It’s so special,” said Hillsdale’s Kael Lewis. “The past two years we’ve done a bunch of incredible things, making history, but nothing like this. It just feels so good because that’s something that lives on forever.”
Falcons’ ninth-year coach Trevor Cline said Hillsdale has come up short in past seasons of earning four-straight wins over Loudonville.
“When this battle (between programs) goes back for as long as it does, to be able to accomplish that is extremely impressive,” Cline said.
Cline coaches 101st game at helm of Falcons’ program
A 2012 Hillsdale High School grad, Cline coached his 100th game at the helm of the program last week in a 28-7 win over Lucas. Friday night marked his 101st game.
Currently in his ninth season in the program’s top position, Cline’s record is 73-28 (a 72.3 percent win percentage).
“I don’t really think about it,” he said. “For me, it’s a lifelong dream to be back coaching at my alma mater.
“Ever since I was a kid my goal was to come back and teach and coach at Hillsdale and, the way everything lined up, I was able to do that. I’m extremely appreciative of that.”
Cline has helped coach the Falcons to new heights, particularly in the past two years with back-to-back appearances in the Division VII state championship game.
He said it was special to take over the program from former Falcons’ coach Tom Williams.
“What he was able to build here at Hillsdale is something that most people never dreamed would be able to be done at Hillsdale,” Cline said.
“It’s been a dream to be a part of your alma mater and be able to coach 100 games, 101 now. It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of the success over the last several years.”
Photos by Hayden Gray
Falcon offense fuels milestones for Lewis
Sticking with milestones, the Falcons’ quarterback reached a pair of career achievements himself Friday night.
Lewis’ four passing TDs brought his career total to 71. The senior connected with Ayden Salyer (twice), Trevor Raubenolt and Knox Lewis, his brother, for touchdown passes of 33, 36, 11 and 31 yards (in three quarters of play).
The QB threw for 156 yards and was also the team’s leading rusher with 122 yards on the ground, including a 79-yard TD run.
His 156 yards through the air also helped Lewis eclipse 6,000 career passing yards, now sitting at 6,002 yards.
“It’s pretty special, but those (achievements) aren’t all because of me — my amazing receivers and offensive line, without them I couldn’t do any of this,” he said. “It’s all props to them and amazing play calls. I throw it, but they make me look good.”
Below are photos of the Hillsdale and Loudonville high school marching bands. (Credit: Hayden Gray)
Hillsdale at Loudonville game stats
Hillsdale will host Dalton (0-3) in Week 4 to open Wayne County Athletic League play.
Loudonville will travel to Mount Gilead (2-1) next week to begin Knox Morrow Athletic Conference play.
