HERMON- The Leavitt Hornets overcame four turnovers in the first half, and a 10-0 deficit at halftime to stay unbeaten with a 14-10 come from behind Class C football victory over Hermon at Pottle Field on Friday night.
Leavitt was intercepted on 4th down on the first drive of the game, as Griffin Dunton picked off a Landon Marquis pass in the endzone. The Hawks would score first in the second quarter when Dunton scampered for a 19-yard rushing touchdown. That was set up by a big run of 29 yards by Dylan Yeo. The Hornets also lost a fumble on the ensuing kickoff that led to a 28-yard field goal by Ethan Garner to extend the Hawks advantage to 10-0. Leavitt drove deep into Hermon territory to the 22 yard line in the final seconds of the half, but on the last play as time expired Marquis was picked off again by Dunton in the endzone. Dunton nearly ran it all the way back, but was tackled just over midfield and the hosts settled for their 10-0 lead at the break.
Leavitt took much better care of the ball and turned up the defense in the second half, as they set the tone by forcing Hermon to a three and out on the first series of the third quarter. The Hornets, backed up to their own 10 yard line, would then take it 90 yards to score for the first time on the night capped off by a 3-yard TD run by Marquis. On the game winning drive in the fourth quarter, Leavitt converted twice on 4th down including on a 4th and 4 at the Hermon 36. On that play, Marquis on a great throw hit Cooper Morin for a 36-yard touchdown on a drag route up the near sideline with 8:06 remaining. The Hawks had one last effort as they drove to the Hornets 35, but on 4th down and 10, quarterback Ethan Curtis was sacked. Leavitt then took over on downs and moved the sticks three times to drain the clock to remain undefeated at 8-0.
Both teams finish off their regular season next Friday, as Hermon (6-2) plays at York and Leavitt will host Foxcroft Academy.
