CINCINNATI – Charles Kellom rushed for 128 yards on 12 carries, including touchdown runs of 12 and 26 yards to lead St. Xavier to a 37-7 win over Hamilton in the opening round of the 2021 OHSAA football playoffs.

"Hamilton came out and those kids fought their tails off," said head coach Steve Specht.  "At halftime, we challenged our kids to compete. I told them to make all the mistakes they want, as long as they make them hard, fast and 100 miles per hour.  I want these kids to compete every snap."

With rain falling throughout the contest, St. Xavier (9-2) stuck with its script in the early going.  Robert Houston snagged Brogan McCaughey's pass for a 27-yard touchdown to cap a 10-play, 80-yard drive 3:45 into the game.  Mason Rohmiller's point-after was blocked to keep the lead, at 6-0.

Terrell McFarlin's took a handoff and swept around the right end to make it a two touchdown advantage on the ensuing Bombers possession. 

"Charles Kellom competes hard every snap," added Specht.  "I'm proud of him."

Kellom, who entered the night 23 yards shy of the 1,000-yard rushing mark waltzed into the end zone from 12 yards out to extend the St. Xavier lead.  The senior running back made the score 20-0 after converting the two-point conversion.  Kellom continues to etch his name into the St. X record book, finishing the night with 1,105 yards on the ground and 21 rushing touchdowns.

"I was really pleased with the offensive line play," said Specht.  "We dropped a couple of passes, but the passing game wasn't bad for a wet night. I know those kids wish they had those opportunities back."

Hamilton (2-7) scored its lone touchdown of the night with nine seconds to play in the first half when Elijah Givens caught a four-yard pass from Kerry Ware to narrow the margin to 20-7.

Ware, who did yeoman's work for the Big Blue at the quarterback spot, totaled 22 carries for 10 yards.  He completed 10-of-19 passes for 123 yards, and a pair of interceptions. 

Flying to the football for much of the evening, Grant Lyons led the Bombers defense with seven stops, including 3.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a blocked punt.  In his first start, Joe Nelson notched six tackles.  Patrick Cengia also totaled six knockdowns.  Max Bonner, Marque Cummings and Sean Reilly notched five tackles apiece. 

"I thought our defense played well up front," said Specht.  "I want to give a lot of credit to the kids from Hamilton.  They are very athletic, they have great speed and body control.  They made a couple of really nice plays in the first half."

Five plays into the third quarter, Alex Kemper's leaping interception and 49-yard return for touchdown made the lead 27-7.  For Kemper, it was his third score of the season. 

The touchdown marked the Bombers' sixth non-offensive touchdown and third interception return for score this season. 

After Luke Vrsansky's punt return gave St. X possession, Kellom needed one play behind the vaunted offensive line to power his way 26 yards and make the score 34-7.

Rohmiller capped the night's scoring late in the third quarter with a 38-yard field goal.  The try improved him to 7-of-8 on placements this season.

St. Xavier outgained Hamilton 204 to 57 on the ground.  Hamilton totaled 123 yards through the air.  McCaughey and his reserve Jack O'Malley combined to complete 12-of-21 passes for 125 yards.  McCaughey continued his streak of completing at least one touchdown pass in every game in his two years as a starter.

"I told the seniors, this will be their last opportunity to play on their home field", said Specht.  "Regardless of the opponent, it's going to be a great week for our seniors. We are going to get a little bit better this week and have some fun next Friday night."

The Long Blue Line returns to action on next Friday, Nov. 5 when it hosts GCL South rival Elder.  Kickoff of the Division I, Region 4 quarterfinal is set for 7 p.m. at RDI Stadium at Ballaban Field.