Port Clinton routs Collinwood, 65-0

PORT CLINTON — The first play was simply a microcosm of the events to come. Port Clinton senior Gavin Cornell ran the opening kickoff back for 71 yards before being tackled at the Cleveland Collinwood two-yard line. Malakii Pinkelton scored a rushing touchdown on the next play, giving the Redskins the lead for good as they rolled to a 65-0 victory over the Railroaders on Friday. It was an important win for Port Clinton (3-1) after its loss last week to Oak Harbor. Port Clinton had eight players score touchdowns, plus there were two safeties. Coach Eric Leuthold talked about his team's play, which did not include the 'Skins playing down to its competition but instead taking the fight to Collinwood, a Division III school. "We did what we were supposed to do," Leuthold said. "It's a credit to our kids for playing fast, physical and fearless." After Pinkelton's touchdown, Tre Armendariz tackled Railroader QB Okema Dikes in the end zone with 9:30 to play in the first quarter, making it 9-0. Pinkelton scored on a seven-yard touchdown run on the next possession, Christian Miller returned a punt 21 yards for a score, Jace Cornell had a 31-yard touchdown scamper and Parker Howard tackled Omar Jones in the end zone to make it 32-0 after one quarter. In the second quarter, Armendariz, Beckett Mizener and Elliot Laird scored on touchdowns runs, and in the third, Ty Henry had a four-yard touchdown run and Caden Millhouse returned an interception 25 yards for a score. A number of underclassmen that usually don't play varsity football saw action, which was important for a number of reasons, including the fact that Collinwood does not have a JV team. "No matter who you're playing or what the score is, the experience of playing on Friday night is a great experience," said Leuthold. "We want to continue to grow and build our program in a positive direction. "I think our schedule and conference is very tough. It's tough to get a win with the teams we compete against. It's important to never take a win for granted." Next week, the 'Skins will host Clyde, a local powerhouse that is 0-4 after a 33-3 loss to Toledo St. Francis. "Clyde is a notoriously great football program," Leuthold said. "It's a credit to Coach (Ryan) Carter for putting out a consistently good program. They're a tough, physical team. "It will be a great challenge. We'll need to have a good week of practice as we prepare." Collinwood 0 0 0 0 — 0Port Clinton 32 19 14 0 — 65 PC — Malakii Pinkelton 2 run (Adam Fitt kick)PC — SafetyPC — Pinkelton 7 run (Fitt kick) PC — Christian Miller 21 punt return (Fitt kick)PC — Jace Cornell 31 run (Fitt kick)PC — SafetyPC — Elliot Laird 5 run (Fitt kick)PC — Beckett Mizener 5 run (kick failed)PC — Armendariz 10 run (kick failed) PC — Ty Henry 4 run (Fitt kick)PC — Caden Millhouse 25 interception return (Fitt kick)