The sweet taste of victory.

It’s something neither the Chillicothe Cavaliers (3-7/2-3) or Logan Chieftains (1-9/1-4) have enjoyed much in 2011. But winning 29-19 will allow the Cavaliers to savor its flavor through to August 2012.

The Cavs scored on their first three possessions to build a 22-0 lead in the first half, led by Tim Beard’s 2 yard run at 5:29 in the opening quarter. After a missed PAT, Noah Valentine nailed a 35 yard field goal for a 9-0 Chillicothe advantage to start the second quarter. Ryan Mathis raced 77 yards along the Chieftains sideline to put the Cavs up by three scores 15-0. Jalen Jones capped the scoring with a 1 yard run for a 22-0 lead.

Logan’s Isaac Schmeltzer stepped up to keep Logan in the game, scoring an 11 yard run just before the half and tacking on runs of 8 and 5 yards each while rushing for 120 yards.

Mathis answered with a 4 yard run to give Chillicothe a 29-13 lead in the final period.

Chillicothe took advantage of Logan turnovers to set up scores. Jones had two interceptions and Tyler Howard a fumble recovery. Donald Turley put an end to Logan’s final threat with a mid-field pick to help secure the Cavs victory.

Herrnstein Field had not been favorable to the Cavs before Friday night. Coming into the game, both Chillicothe wins had been on the road at Warren and Hillsboro.

The Cavaliers gained 323 yards with Mathis leading the way with 106 yards on 8 carries. Beard added 19 carries for another 102 yards.

The Cavs won back-to-back Logan games for the first time since 1994 to take a 7-6 lead in the series.