Turnovers costly as Cavs top Blue Lions

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The Washington Blue Lions welcomed the Chillicothe Cavaliers to Gardner Park for the penultimate game of the 2017 season and the final of the year at the friendly confines.

The Blue Lions knew that this game was a must-win to keep their chances for a postseason playoff berth alive.

Washington came out with enthusiasm and passion and quickly bolted out to a 13-0 lead over the Cavs.

In the end, there were just too many mistakes and too many turnovers for Washington as Chillicothe posted a 42-25 lead.

Six turnovers for the Blue Lions were just too much to overcome on this night.

“We came out playing with emotion,” Washington head coach Chuck Williamson said. “Every time we had some momentum, got back in it, we would turn it over. Against a team like this, you cannot do that.

“We’ll get back to work and try and correct those mistakes and get ready for Trace next Friday night,” Williamson said.

The Blue Lions had the ball first and suffered their first turnover of the game.

Chillicothe fumbled right back to the Blue Lions and, after a 55-yard run by quarterback Dillon Steward, it was Steward again scoring on a two-yard run.

Nick Bishop’s extra-point kick made it 7-0, Blue Lions with 7:26 remaining in the first quarter.

After a quick three and out by the Cavs, Steward broke another long run, this one of 64 yards to set up Washington’s next score.

It was a five-yard run for pay dirt by Jacob Rice. The PAT was no good, leaving Washington with a 13-0 lead with 4:04 to play in the first quarter.

Chillicothe quarterback Branden Maughmer had a 23-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds to play in the opening quarter. Derick Lewis’ kick made it 13-7, Blue Lions.

Chillicothe scored twice more in the second quarter, an 11-yard run by Connor Mathis and a one-yard run by J’Quan Harris that lifted the Cavaliers to a 21-13 halftime lead.

The Cavs scored early in the third quarter with a 62-yard run by Maughmer to go in front, 28-13.

With 7:57 to play in the third quarter, Steward ran for an 18-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Cavaliers in the lead, 28-19.

Maughmer scored again with 3:32 to play in the third quarter, a 31-yard run this time. The extra-point kick gave the Cavaliers a 35-19 lead.

With 7:55 to play in the game, Mathis scored on a one-yard run to extend the Cavaliers lead to 42-19.

The Blue Lions put the final points on the board, a 13-yard pass from Steward to Eli Ruth.

The pass for two points was no good.

Looking at the statistics, the two teams each accumulated 516 yards of offense.

The Blue Lions carried the ball 46 times for 374 yards, while the Cavs ran the ball 48 times for 426 yards.

Washington completed 11 of 19 passes for 142 yards to 7 of 9 for Chillicothe for 90 yards.

Washington had 24 first downs to 20 for the Cavs.

Both teams had 15 first downs by rushing.

Washington had seven first downs passing to two for Chillicothe.

Chillicothe had three first downs thanks to penalties to two for Washington.

Steward carried 22 times for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

Jacob Rice had 24 carries for 82 yards and one touchdown.

Maughmer ran the ball 30 times for 335 yards and three touchdowns.

Mathis carried 14 times for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

This sets up a showdown for the first-ever Frontier Athletic Conference football championship next week when the Cavaliers play at Jackson.

Both teams are 4-0 in the FAC, as Jackson defeated McClain last night, 49-0.

In a wild and woolly game at Hillsboro, the Indians defeated Miami Trace Friday night, 76-48.

Washington defenders Trystan Uhl (26) and Caleb Rice (4) combine to tackle Chillicothe quarterback Branden Maughmer during a Frontier Athletic Conference game at Gardner Park Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Also pictured for Washington is Marcell Garrett (99).
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2017/10/web1_Blue-Lion-defense-tackles-Maughmer.jpgWashington defenders Trystan Uhl (26) and Caleb Rice (4) combine to tackle Chillicothe quarterback Branden Maughmer during a Frontier Athletic Conference game at Gardner Park Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Also pictured for Washington is Marcell Garrett (99). Chris Hoppes | Record-Herald

By Chris Hoppes

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