UNIONTOWN, Ohio – In a highly anticipated matchup between two top-ranked high school football teams, Canton McKinley handed Green its first loss in four games on Friday night. Buffalo running back commit Nino Hill’s 3-yard touchdown run with 1:42 left in the game sealed McKinley’s 26-17 victory, leaving Green head coach Mark Geis proud of his team’s effort despite falling short.
The rain didn’t deter McKinley, as Keith Quincy returned a punt for a 78-yard touchdown early in the game, setting the tone for their strong performance. McKinley’s running duo of Hall and Johnson added to the lead with impressive plays, while Green struggled to get their offense going.
Although Green fought back in the second quarter with quarterback Tyson Hunka connecting with Antonio Martin for crucial plays, penalties and defensive stops limited their scoring opportunities. McKinley’s Hall continued to make an impact, scoring in the third quarter to extend the lead.
Martin’s 42-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter kept Green within striking distance, but McKinley’s defense held strong in the fourth quarter, preventing any last-minute comeback attempts. Despite the loss, Geis remains optimistic about his team’s chances moving forward in the Federal League title race.
The victory improves McKinley’s record to 4-2, matching Green’s record as both teams look to continue their success in the remainder of the season. The matchup showcased the talent and determination of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry as the season progresses.
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