LocalSportsJournal.com

The Ravenna Bulldogs entered Thursday’s football opener against Hopkins with optimism and a new offensive scheme following newly hired head coach Doug Samuels.

The positive outlook produced offensive numbers for Ravenna, but a slow offensive start buried the Bulldogs in a 42-30 loss to the hosts.

Ravenna looked like it had control early when quarterback Conner Kilbourne connected with Josh Cox for a giant, 71-yard touchdown pass. After a successful 2-point conversion, the Bulldogs held an 8-0 lead.

But the Vikings bounced back in a big way, zipping off 28-stright points that stretched all the way into the third quarter.

Ravenna made a dent against the Hopkins lead as Calvin Schullo connected for an 18-yard touchdown reception from Kilbourne. But Hopkins responded by taking a commanding 42-16 lead, with a score to close out the third quarter and another to start the fourth.

Kilbourne was able to cap off a pair of fourth-quarter drives with 3, and 4-yard touchdown scampers but it was not enough to put Ravenna back into the contest.

Ravenna amassed 360 total yards on offense but did not have defensive answers for Hopkins who totaled 442 yards, 213 arriving on the ground.

Kilbourne was lethal in the air for Ravenna, totaling 320 yards on 17 of 30 passing and just one interception. The junior also had 39 yards rushing on 12 attempts.

Cox led Ravenna receivers as the junior finished with seven catches for 136 yards and one score. Schullo totaled four receptions for 79 yards and a TD, his longest catch being 34 yards. Jack Emery caught four passes and finished with 69 yards.

While the Bulldogs amassed the yards in the air, their drives stalled as they managed to convert just 2 of 11 third down opportunities. Ravenna displayed a disciplined game under Samuels new leadership, committing just five penalties for 45 yards.