Staley, Hohler help Huron turn away PC

HURON — In a game that featured two of the most explosive offenses in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division, fans got that and more in the conference opener between Huron and Port Clinton. After the dust settled, it was Huron coming out victorious 35-21 to start out division play. The game was also important for playoff positioning as Huron (3-3, 1-0 SBC Bay) entered No. 15 in the Division VI, Region 22 rankings while Port Clinton (3-3, 0-1) was No. 14 in the Division V, Region 18 standings. "We had a great week of practice," Huron coach Sam Hohler said. "The kids worked very hard. It's homecoming week here, so we were honoring some of our past players and student athletes and things like that." The game started slow with both teams going three-and-out, but then Huron quarterback Landon Hohler started his massive offensive showing. After a 30-yard pass in his first drive, Hohler added on in the second drive throwing completions of 15 and 22 yards before hooking up with Caleb Staley on a 21-yard touchdown. That put Huron up 7-0. The second quarter started with an interception by the Redskins to stop a scoring chance for the Tigers, but Hohler would not be rattled as on the next drive, he connected with Austin Sas on a 60-yard touchdown for a 14-0 lead. The Tigers' defense contributed on the next drive with Staley picking off Redskins quarterback Landon Leis and returning the pass 51 yards for the touchdown and 21-0 lead. After getting a fourth-down stop in their own end, Leis connected with Christian Miller on a 53-yard touchdown to bring Port Clinton within 21-14 at halftime. "We made a few too many mistakes tonight," coach Hohler said. "Hopefully we can get those corrected and just keep rolling along. I think we'll be in a good spot." The third quarter started with more offensive fireworks as Hohler hit Braxton Barrett on an 80-yard touchdown pass. Port Clinton responded as Leis hit Elliot Laird on an eight-yard touchdown pass. That brought Port Clinton within 28-21 after three quarters. Another Hohler touchdown, this time on the ground, made it 35-21. On the ensuing drive, Port Clinton marched it down the field, only to get picked off in the end zone. Both defenses locked down forcing consecutive turnovers on downs before the Tigers kneeled the clock out. The Tigers now look to build off this momentum, following Hohler's four touchdown performance. Huron travels to Bellevue (3-3, 0-1) next week. "Landon is just a tremendous athlete, just plays his heart out," said coach Hohler of his senior son. "He was on pretty much everything tonight except kickoff coverage and he's been a terrific leader." After winning tonight, Huron looks keep the ball rolling into next week looking to win two in a row for the first time. "Our non-conference schedule was tough," coach Hohler said. "We played Oak Harbor, Genoa, and a crossover game versus Tiffin Columbian. My guys continued to fight everyday in practice and keep handling what they have to." Port Clinton hits the road to take on Vermilion (4-2, 0-0) next week. Huron 7 14 7 7 — 35Port Clinton 0 14 7 0 — 21 H — Caleb Staley 21 pass from Landon Hohler (Carter Brennan kick)H — Austin Sas 60 pass from Hohler (Brennan kick)H — Staley 51 interception return (Brennan kick)PC — Malakaii Pinkelton 1 run (Adam Fitt kick)PC — Christian Miller 53 pass from Landon Lies (Fitt kick)H — Braxton Barrett 80 pass from Hohler (Brennan kick)PC — Elliot Laird 8 pass from Lies (Fitt Kick)H — Hohler 1 run (Brennan Kick)