Trail falls to Arcanum, turns focus to homecoming match-up with Miss. Valley

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ARCANUM — On Friday, Oct. 2, National Trail’s football team found out just how misleading records can be when they traveled to Arcanum, who was 0-5 heading into the game.

Trail lost 53-0.

Arcanum had played as challenging a schedule as any Cross County Conference team heading into the game, having started the season by playing Milton Union (4-2), Riverside(5-1), Covington(5-1), Tri-County North (4-2), Miami East (5-1) and Twin Valley South (5-1) before meeting National Trail.

Head Coach Randy Kerns said the Blazers’ lack of discipline against the option was a key reason for his team’s struggles.

“Arcanum runs the option, so each player must do his assignment defensively,” Kerns said. “We did not consistently get that done. We had guys in position most of the time; we just did not play disciplined football defensively.”

Kerns also spoke about the misleading record of Arcanum heading into the game. “I don’t think our kids understood how good Arcanum was going to be,” the first year coach said. “They were 0-5, but against the teams they have played, we would have been in the same place.”

Arcanum was primed for a big win and National Trail perhaps caught them at the wrong time, coming off a big win of their own.

“We did not match their energy from the beginning,” Kerns pointed out, giving credit to his opposition. “Credit them, I didn’t have our kids ready to play, and I have to do a better job.”

Kerns quickly turned focus to the homecoming match-up with (0-6) Mississinawa Valley on Friday, Oct 14. “This game is absolutely huge this week,” Kerns said. “Mississinawa is a team that is getting better and better, that’s clear from film.”

Kerns believes it is important his team enjoys the week.

“Homecoming is a challenge,” he said. “But I’m one that relishes that experience for the kids. I want them to have fun this week and be a part of the activities, but also we have to work to keep our kids improving in practice and in execution of the game plan.”

By Austin Schmidt

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Reach Austin Schmidt at 937-683-4062, or on Twitter @aschmidt_RH.

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