Trailing 13-0 at hafltime, Kirtland scored touchdowns on its first three possessions of the second half to take a 22-13 lead with 2:08 to play.
Marion Local answered 46 seconds later on Cole Griesdorn’s 11-yard TD pass to Hunter Wilker. The Flyers’ onside kick attempt, however, ended in a penalty — the ball didn’t travel 10 yards — and the Hornets ran out the clock.
Griesdorn passed for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Nietfeld added 107 yards rushing and a TD.
Joey Bates (34 carries, 206 yards, two TDs) paced Kirtland.
Marion Local (13-2) was seeking its fifth straight state championship and its ninth overall title. It’s the third state championship — all in the last five years — for Kirtland (14-1).
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