National Trail beats Jefferson for first win on the year, for new head coach

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DAYTON — National Trail logged its first win of the season, beating Jefferson 30-14 and earning the first victory for new head coach Randy Kerns last Friday night.

It was nice to get our first win in the books,” said Kerns. “Our kids are so young and are still learning how to practice hard every day, and they are learning quickly. I was really proud of their effort Friday.”

The Blazers started out quickly against Jefferson, getting a 55-yard touchdown from Corbin Hoblit, a 13-yard run from Ben Sullivan, and a one yard score from Michael Bane all in the first quarter.

They found themselves out to a 22-0 lead at the end of the frame.

“We got up big early, then with a young team, we let our foot off the pedal too much in the late second quarter,” said Kerns.

Jefferson answered in the second with a one yard touchdown run of their own before Trail tacked on their final touchdown of the day with a three yard run from Sullivan.

They went into the half up 30-14, where the score remained for the rest of the game.

Despite a few bounces in Jeffersons direction, Trail’s defense buckled down for the entire second half as they logged three interceptions in that span.

“The best part is our kids really needed this. It was nice to get my first win as a coach, but they needed this, not me,” said Kerns. “During a transition year, it’s sometimes hard for people to see the progress and the improvement if you aren’t getting “W’s”. But I see their improvement game by game, and it was great for them to see that this program is heading in the right direction.”

Sullivan led the team on offense, running for 150 yards and two scores while Hoblit added 69 rushing yards and a touchdown. Bane threw for 139 yards and ran for a touchdown. He also had an interception on defense.

Dom Huffman led the defense with nine tackles and an interception as Mike Ray added two interceptions of his own.

The win improves the Blazers to 1-3 on the season. They will host Ansonia on Friday, Sept. 25.

By Jeremy Erskine

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Jeremy Erskine may be reached at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @jerskine_RH

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