Hawken controls the ball in victory over rival University School

Brian Lavrich/Sun News, August 28, 2009 11:37 p.m.

GATES MILLS - Hawken School used a dominant ball-control offense to move the ball and keep University School's offense off the field as the Hawks topped their rival Preppers, 27-13, in the seaosn opener for both teams on Friday night at Walton Stadium.

The Hawks rushed 57 times for 331 yards with Jake Willen leading the way. Willen had 22 carries for 114 yards, or 1 more yard than the entire US team.

 US quarterback Dan Frate put the Preppers up early, 6-0, when he scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. Frate finished with 102 yards rushing before leaving the game in the fourth quarter because of cramps.

 After that, it was all Hawken as the Hawks tied the game at 6 on a 33-yard touchdown run by Joe Wilson.

Hawken momentarily took the lead after a 4-yard touchdown run by Teddy Hook at 13-6. But Jeff Lonchor returned the ensuing kickoff 91 yards for a US touchdown, which tied the game at 13.

Hawken quarterback Zach McMains scored on a sneak with just 8 seconds left in the first half as the Hawks took a 20-13 lead into halftime.

Willen added a 9-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter.