Defensive linemen don't get to score too many touchdowns.
But on a night when five of Columbian's offensive players reached the end zone, it's only fair that a senior from the Tornadoes' standout defense got to as well.
Chandler Hoover's recovery of a Willard fumble and 25-yard return was one of the many highlights for Columbian as it cruised to 8-0 with a 46-8 thumping of Willard at Frost-Kalnow Stadium Friday.
The Tornadoes, the No. 3 team in Division II, gave another outstanding defensive effort, holding the Flashes (3-5, 0-3 Northern Ohio League) to just 18 passing yards and one fourth quarter touchdown, which came against TC's reserve defenders.
Columbian coach Brian Colatruglio said he was thrilled for Hoover, who was a big part of the Tornadoes' defensive success.
"That's awesome. You love it when those D-linemen get a chance to get the ball in their hands," Colatruglio said. "It's all they think about, and probably dream about it every night."
Hoover is the second TC defensive lineman to reach the end zone this season. Alec Lucius scored a touchdown earlier this season.
The Tornadoes also had a number of big offensive games, beginning with quarterback Michael Rohrbach. Rohrbach completed 10 of 13 passes for 161 yards. He threw a pair of touchdowns - a 15-yard pass to Donovan Walker and a 34-yard throw to a wide open Vince Anway.
"We've got to maintain that balance," Colatruglio said. "We thought we could run the ball on them, but we're just trying to find ourselves a little bit offensively, and make sure teams have to defend everything."
Rohrbach also threw a pair of interceptions, both of which were picked by Willard's Jay Cok. The Tornadoes also lost a fumble.
"Mike made some really great throws tonight," Colatruglio said. "We've got to quit turning the ball over, but we had another solid night."
Other offensive standouts for the Tornadoes were Walker (2 TDs, 91 total yards), Jack Jacoby (84 yards, TD) and Spencer Franklin (88 yards rushing, TD).
Jacoby, perhaps Columbian's biggest threat, did all his damage by halftime. Columbian led 26-0 at the break.
Willard was led by quarterback Logan Blanchard, who ran for 80 yards, and Lukas Moore, who score the Flashes' lone touchdown.
"(Columbian's) a talented football team," said Willard coach Mark Matula. "Our kids have to learn to play fast. You can't expect to play slow in this league and expect to get things done.
