Trail falls to Covington

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NEW PARIS —National Trail hosted the Covington Buccaneers on Friday, Oct. 23, and lost 56-6.

It was a tough draw for National Trail who was facing off with the Bucs after suffering its only Cross County Conference loss of the season last week against Twin Valley South.

Head coach Randy Kerns said before the game he knew his team was facing an uphill battle having to face a Covington team which had extra motivation coming into the game.

Hunter Lindsey found the end zone for the Blazers on the final possession of the game to avoid a shut out for the home team.

Lindsey’s fourth quarter was about the only positive for National Trail, as the offense was smothered all night by a motivated Buccaneer defense.

Kerns said this was a great opportunity for his kids to see the type of program he wants to become.

“The level we strive to get to was made very clear to our kids,” Kerns said. “I have huge respect for Coach Miller and his program at Covington. It’s so evident that the values we are placing on our program and trying to build in our kids are already in their program and built in their kids. Their effort is second to none, and they thrive on mental toughness and competition”

Kerns said his team has been devastated by season-ending injuries as they prepare for the final week of the season.“Our sheer number of injuries is devastating us right now,” he said.

“We have 33 on our roster, but roughly only 21-22 have been in pads the past three weeks.”

Kerns said going into the final game next week against county rival Tri-County North he wants to send senior Michael Bane off with four quarters of effort.

“Four quarters of great effort and for our kids just to commit to making themselves better during that game,” he said. “I want kids to continue to believe in what we are coaching them and know they got better this year.”

The Blazers (3-6-2-5) travel to Tri-County North (6-3, 5-2) on Friday, Oct. 30, with kick off at 7:30 p.m. for senior Michael Bane’s final game.

National Trail’s Ben Sullivan attempts to avoid a Covington defender during a Cross County Conference game on Friday, Oct. 23. Trail suffered a 56-6 loss.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/10/web1_ntfb2.jpgNational Trail’s Ben Sullivan attempts to avoid a Covington defender during a Cross County Conference game on Friday, Oct. 23. Trail suffered a 56-6 loss.

National Trail quarterback Michael Bane looks for an open receiver during the Blazers contest with Covington on Friday, Oct. 23. Trail suffered a 56-6 setback to fall to 3-6 on the season.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/10/web1_ntfb1.jpgNational Trail quarterback Michael Bane looks for an open receiver during the Blazers contest with Covington on Friday, Oct. 23. Trail suffered a 56-6 setback to fall to 3-6 on the season.

By Austin Schmidt

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

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