On a night when its defense played well and the offense was mediocre, Chillicothe's third phase of the game, the specialty teams determined the outcome of the Cavaliers’ 20-7 loss at Gallia Academy. 

The Cavs ‘ lone offensive highlight came on a 50 yard touchdown run by Markel Cain on the third play of the second half to tie the contest at seven. Outside of that 65 yard drive, Chillicothe mustered just 90 more yards total offense.

The defense forced two turnovers, but the Cavs failed to convert the opportunities into points. Defensive Tackle Isaiah Johnson leaped in the air to intercept a Wade Jarrell pass in the second quarter and Julius Lee recovered a Gallia fumble. The Cavs were turned away from capitalizing on either one. Otherwise, the Cavs did a decent job of containing Gallia Academy’s attack.

It was a 48 yard punt return by Cody Russell which sparked the Blue Devils. Punting in place of an injured Tim Beard, Ryan Mathis lifted a kick over the head of Russell, who picked up the ball over his shoulder, racing to the Chillicothe 31. Six plays later, Russell was punching into the end zone on a one-yard plunge 5:35 before halftime for a 7-0 advantage.

After Cain’s TD run to start the second half, Gallia marched 66 yards to score on an 11 yard pass from Jarrell to Seth Atkins for a touchdown to go up 14-7. On the ensuing kickoff, the squib kick went of Cain’s hands and rocketed forward off his foot to be recovered by the Devils at the Chillicothe 31. Russell capped the five play drive on a 1 yard run. Steven Bayless blocked the PAT and the Cavs were down 20-7.

Cain finished the night with 85 yards rushing and a TD. The Cavs’ passing attack produced just 44 yards on the night. Meanwhile, Gallia chalked up 240 yards total yards.

Gallia Academy is now 4-2 and 1-0 in the SEOAL and the Cavs are 1-5 and are off to an 0-1 start in the league.

Chillicothe returns to Herrnstein Field next Friday to host Warren (2-4/0-1) for Homecoming. The Warriors fell at Jackson Friday 33-26.