RIGA, N.Y. — Anyone who knows Hilton football knows what to expect from the Cadets’ offense. Pound and ground is the order of the day. So, imagine the surprise when the first play of the year against Churchville-Chili was a pass from sophomore quarterback Matt Kosiorek to Braydon Pike for a first down. That drive would be capped off in familiar fashion, a short touchdown run from John DiBattisto to give Hilton an early lead on the way to convincing 43-7 win over the Saints.
DiBattisto, who figures to be the featured back for head coach Rich Lipani’s squad found the end zone again on the second Hilton possession from five yards out, on a night that saw him rush for 90 yards before being shut down at half time.
DiBattisto’s effort in the ground game was matched by Drew O’Buck. The senior running back also found the end zone twice as part of a 90-yard performance.
Lipani, who is entering his 36th year at the helm in Hilton had to be pleased with what he saw from Kosiorek, making his varsity debut and throwing for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
Those scoring tosses both came late in the second quarter. The first was a dart to Lucas Russell over the middle with just 35 seconds to go in the half. Russell outran the Saints defenders for a 52-yard score.
Hilton used a squib kick on the ensuing kickoff, which the Saints couldn’t come up with. Louis Giorgione recovered and three plays later Kosiorek hooked up with Pike again, who made a spectacular leaping grab in the corner of the end zone.
The Cadets, racked up 415 yard in total offense, will head to Pittsford next week. Churchville-Chili will look to bounce back when they host Rochester Prep.
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