Hoban Knights' Dominant Debut: A Statement Victory Over Frederick Douglass
Archbishop Hoban's football team began their 2023 season with a commanding 45-6 win over Frederick Douglass, the current Class 5A high school state champions from Kentucky. Demonstrating their explosiveness on both offense and defense, the Knights surged ahead, establishing a formidable 38-0 lead by halftime.
In his first start as quarterback, Tylan Boykin made an immediate impact. On his very first throw, he connected with senior wide receiver Parker Falkenstein for a 46-yard touchdown pass, coming with 10:26 remaining in the opening quarter. Reflecting on the play, Boykin shared, "It was nothing short of electric. We had seen they were very aggressive on the screen from watching film and we capitalized. It was an amazing feeling hearing the crowd roar."
The match was a masterclass in execution. After Boykin's opening touchdown pass, a subsequent interception by senior DB Tyson Campbell set the stage for senior RB Caleb Jones's first touchdown, a 6-yard run that extended Hoban's lead to 14-0. A botched punt by Frederick Douglass gave Hoban another golden opportunity, which Jones capitalized on with a 3-yard touchdown run. By the time Jones scored his third consecutive touchdown, a 14-yard run in the second quarter, the Knights were up 28-0. Freshman RB Brayton Feister added to the tally with two more touchdowns, including an 11-yard run that put Hoban up 35-0 before halftime.
Reflecting on the showcase, Boykin emphasized the unity among Ohio teams, "When it gets to the point to play Glenville and St.Eds, it will be a very competitive week, but this weekend all the Neo teams were rooting for each other. To defeat all the out-of-state teams, and put Ohio high school football on the map around the country."
Linebacker Devin Bell, a senior leader, echoed Boykin's sentiments, "The win felt awesome. I think my brothers and I made a statement. We couldn’t have made a better start. We wanted to show the world that we are still Hoban."
Running back Caleb Jones, despite delivering a standout performance, modestly remarked, "The win felt great, but I don’t feel that I’m at my best yet." His impressive tally of 93 rushing yards and three touchdowns speaks volumes about his potential. Moreover, his exceptional one-handed catch in the 3rd quarter, which paved the way for a Knights' field goal, showcased his versatility on the field.
The road ahead is challenging. During the rest of the season they will face two teams that were also a part of the NEO vs. America Showcase. Hoban will face Glenville in Week 8, marking the first-ever meeting between the two schools. They'll also square off against St. Edward to close out the regular season, a rematch of last year's game where they suffered a 41-20 defeat. A potential playoff clash with Massillon, whom they defeated 41-20 in the regional finals last year, also looms on the horizon.
Following back-to-back championship game defeats, this year's talent-rich team is determined to clinch the title. With an impressive record of 116-20 and five state championships to his name, Head Coach Tim Tyrrell is keen on rewriting the story this season. This emphatic win by the Knights underscores their ambition to pursue a sixth state championship under Tyrrell's guidance.