COLUMBUS -- When Kirtland's Adam Hess scored on a 3-yard run with 4 minutes, 18 seconds remaining for a nine-point lead, the Hornets 15 seniors were on the verge of leaving with three state championships and a 59-1 record.
The storybook ending though ended up being a nightmare.
Minster scored the final 13 points and captured the second state championship in school history as they rallied for a 46-42 win in Friday'sDivision VI final at Ohio Stadium.
"We were down by two scores but our offense is good enough to produce two scores," Minster coach Geron Stokes said. "We're state champs somehow and it is awesome."
Kirtland, which was making its fourth straight finals appearance, saw its 29 game winning streak snapped. Both of the losses that the seniors had were in state finals and were by a combined five points. Kirtland lost to Coldwater 10-9 in the Division V finals two years ago.
"We wouldn't be where we are without these guys. They are great players and great kids. They are humble, kind and great people," Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde said.
Minster junior Josh Nixon threw for 417 yards, which is the seventh most in a state finals game in any division, and four touchdowns. Eli Wolf, who caught the game-winning touchdown, had nine receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns while Bryce Schmeising added 150 yards on seven catches with a touchdown.
Like he had done for most of the game, Nixon led the Wildcats down the field on both drives and converted when they needed it.
On the first series he was 5 of 9 for 63 yards as the scoring drive was capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Evan Huelsman over right tackle to bring them within 42-40.
With 1:59 remaining, Minster attempted an onside kick which kicker Jason Schultz recovered at the Kirtland 49 after it took a favorable bounce. After Nixon was sacked on the first play, he found Wolf on the right sideline. Wolf slipped past Sam Skiljan, got a favorable block by Schmeising and was gone for a 51-yard touchdown.
The Hornets got the ball back with 1:15 remaining but could only advance as far as their own 40 before turning it over on downs with 14 seconds left.
Kirtland had 326 rushing yards as Hess had 164 on 39 carries and two touchdowns. For most of the game Minster couldn't stop them, but they came up with one at the end when it counted.
"I appreciate everything we have done but this one is going to sting for awhile," said Kirtland wide receiver Matt Finkler. "The ball didn't bounce our way. It's been a great experience but I just wish it could have ended differently."
Minster's win gives the Midwest Athletic Conference a chance to win three state titles for the first time. Maria Stein Marion Local faces Norwalk St. Paul in Division VII and Coldwater takes on Canton Central Catholic in Division V. MAC teams have won two state titles in the same season five times.
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