Senior Tymir Cardona of Kenston had the biggest night of his career as he scored four touchdowns — two on offense and two on special teams — and led the Bombers to a 37-14 victory over rival Chagrin Falls Friday night at Chagrin Falls High School's C.S. Harris Stadium.
Senior Tymir Cardona of Kenston had the biggest night of his career as he scored four touchdowns — two on offense and two on special teams — and led the Bombers to a 37-14 victory over rival Chagrin Falls Friday night at Chagrin Falls High School’s C.S. Harris Stadium.
Cardona returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown as the Bombers went ahead 6-0; the point after attempt failed. That was just the start of his night as he also returned a partially blocked punt 35 yards for a touchdown to go along with a 33-yard touchdown reception and an eight-yard touchdown run.
“That’s how you start the game off,” Cardona said. “It’s an away game. We’re playing the villain role, and I work with a lot of Chagrin guys.”
Cardona said he and the rest of the Bombers couldn’t be as successful without the offensive line, which had another big game.
“I told them, ‘Give me an opportunity and I’ll get a touchdown,’” Cardona said. “I just have to follow the chubbies (linemen).”
Kenston is now 2-1, while Chagrin Falls fell to 1-2.
As big a game as Cardona had, the Kenston defense was dominant, holding Chagrin Falls to just one first down in the first half and 14 total plays from scrimmage. Kenston Head Coach Jeff Grubich recognized the toughness of the Bomber defense.
“We try to continue to improve,” Grubich said. “The defense had something to prove all week. They definitely answered.”
Grubich also talked about Cardona’s big night.
“He was outstanding, but he still hasn’t played his best football,” Grubich said.
The Bombers were trying to put away the Tigers late in the first half. Kenston led 16-0 as they received a 35-yard field goal from Grady Kuharson and Cardona’s receiving touchdown from Lucas Kalentbach.
With less then a minute to play in the first half, the Bombers were challenging for another score when linebacker Cole Ducas swiped a swing pass from Kalentbach and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown with 50 seconds left in the second quarter. That fired up the Tiger crowd as the halftime score stood at 16-7 Kenston.
However, the Bombers took charge with three third-quarter touchdowns. Kalentbach scored on a three-yard run on the Bombers’ first possession of the third quarter for a 23-7 lead, followed by Cardona’s punt return and rushing touchdown. With 3:01 left in the third quarter, the Bombers led 37-7.
Kalentbach finished 6-for-12 passing for 89 yards; Cohen Clark led Kenston with 15 rushes for 107 yards.
The Tigers continued to fight as they went on an impressive 13-play, 76-yard drive capped by a six-yard touchdown run by Jack Gellin. But then the scoring was over.
Chagrin Falls Head Coach John Scott said he could never question the effort of his players.
“You have a lot of fight in this dog, in this team,” Scott said. “This is going to sting. It hurts. There are one of two ways to go. The biggest thing is our sense of urgency. We rely on our seniors and their leadership.”
Both teams play this week at home: Kenston against Villa Angela-St. Joseph (3-0), Chagrin Falls against Cuyahoga Heights (1-1).
