Kiko dominates as Carrollton rolls past Marlington in EBC opener

When members of Marlington’s coaching staff try to sleep this week, the number 32 may haunt them. That’s the jersey worn by Carrollton’s Levi Kiko, who ran through and over the Dukes in the Warriors’ 24-7 win Sept. 26.

Kiko averaged nearly 10 yards per carry, rushing for 227 yards on 23 touches and scoring two touchdowns as Carrollton took command in the Eastern Buckeye Conference opener for both teams.

After a scoreless first quarter, Marlington struck first when Malcum Salyers hauled in a 29-yard pass from Tyler Walder for a 7-0 lead early in the second. That proved to be the Dukes’ only score.

Carrollton tied the game before halftime on Hunter Allison’s short touchdown pass to Isaac Husted with three minutes remaining. From there, the Warriors controlled the game.

Kiko broke loose for a 38-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and added a 20-yard score in the fourth, with a 34-yard field goal by Paycen Havens in between. The Warriors reeled off 24 unanswered points.

Carrollton (3-3, 1-0) outgained Marlington (3-3, 0-1) by a 417-204 margin in total yards and held a 20-12 advantage in first downs. The Warriors’ defense limited Dukes standout Cameron Evanich to one catch for 6 yards and minus-1 rushing yards.

Allison finished 17-of-23 passing for 158 yards. Jaden Murphy led Carrollton’s receivers with five catches for 66 yards, while Johnny Bajornas added two receptions for 48.

Husted contributed six catches for 20 yards and a touchdown, while also recording 10 tackles and an interception. Nolan Deitrich tallied 10 tackles with two for loss. Hayden Thomas added nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.