Malvern took its first step to a sixth straight playoff appearance, and in doing so, exacted some revenge on its opponent.
The Hornets traveled to Berlin Center last Friday evening and came home with a hard-fought 20-3 victory.
Western Reserve had ended Malvern's 2011 season by winning the second-round playoff game 29-20.
The hosts took an early 3-0 lead on a 26-yard field goal by Clegg.
The Hornets took control of the game with 14 unanswered points in the second stanza.
The first score came on a 10-yard run by Cobin Plessinger, and the second on a 9-yard pass from Trey Tucci to Nick Mohr.
Malvern added a score midway through the final quarter on a 4-yard run by Weber.
"What a great road win," commented Head Coach Dave Tucci. "Over a team that is going to win a lot of games.
"Our running game was the difference. We seemed to wear Western Reserve down as the game wore on. If not for some penalties, the final score could have been more decisive. Penalties negated a few positive plays, plus Max's long kick-off return for a touchdown.
"We put more pressure on their quarterback in the second half and our entire defense played well for most of the night, led by Plessinger and Holmes.
"It is good to be 2-0 heading into East Canton week. We always get their best, so it will be another hard-fought game."
The Hornets amassed 270 rushing yards on 54 carries.
Plessinger led the way with 29 carries for 137 yards. Max Kapron had seven carries for 68 yards and Weber had 10 carries for 64 yards.
Through the air, Trey Tucci completed 4-of-8 for 35 yards. Kapron had three catches for 26 yards.
Malvern's defense limited Western Reserve to just 73 rushing yards. Forced to throw, the hosts completed 16-of-40 passes for 217 yards and one pick.
Josh Holmes seemed to be every on defense, recording a team-high 12 tackles. Plessinger had 10 tackles, Michael Haasz had seven tackles, and Kapron had four tackles and an interception.
Coach Tucci's players of the game are Plessinger, Kapron, Weber, Mohr, Holmes and Danny Wartluft.
Malvern (2-0) will travel to East Canton this Friday, Sept. 7, for the annual "Battle of the Hornets".
East Canton (1-1) is coming off a 37-14 loss to Sandy Valley.
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