GRINDING UP THE YARGAGE...is what the Miami East runners have been doing in building a 6-2 record.

Story by Dwayne Maxson
Miami East rolled easily to victory over National Trail, 49-8. The Vikings had 424 yards in total offense, including 383 yards rushing. As a result they clinched their first winning season since 2001.

In the first quarter Miami East scored twice. First on a Tyler Dunivan 6 yard run for a touchdown. Then again later on a Houston Walker 5 yard run to make it 14-0 going into the second quarter.

The Vikings scored often in the second quarter. Sam Smallwood had two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter by scoring both the first and last touchdowns of the second quarter on runs of 36 yards and 17 yards. Zack Fuge for the second week found the endzone on a long run this time on a 74 yard run. After that Rod Sotzing caught a 41 yard touchdown pass from Justin Baker. Miami East lead at halftime 42-0.

In the second half the Vikings' let the younger players play. Miami East's Brock Smith scored their final touchdown on a 1 yard run in the third quarter. National Trail finally got on the scoreboard in the four quarter on a Joey Simpson one yard run.

The Vikings' Sam Smallwood again had a big night. Smallwood finished with 154 yards rushing on just 9 carries and two touchdowns. This game also put Smallwood over 1,000 yards rushing for the second year in a row with 1,019 yards through 8 games. Miami East also managed to break the school record for most team rushing yards in a season with 2,446 yards rushing on the season. The previous record had been set back in 1968.

"We accomplished a few things tonight and played well," said Viking Coach Max Current. "Smallwood had a good game again this week. Keeping our focus this week will be important because we have a tough game against Ansonia next. Certainly, breaking the team rushing yardage record is a great accomplishment, but focusing on winning the game is more important."

Next week the Vikings host Ansonia, while National Trail travels to Twin Valley South.

Score by Quarters:
.....................1......2...3....4....Final
Miami East......14....28...7....0......49
National Trail...0......0....0....8.......8

Scoring Summary:
ME-Tyler Dunivan 6 yard run (Josh Matheson kick).
ME-Houston Walker 5 yard run (Matheson kick).
ME-Sam Smallwood 36 yard run (Matheson kick).
ME-Zack Fuge 74 yard run (Matheson kick).
ME-Rod Sotzing 41 yard pass from Justin Baker (Matheson kick).
ME-Smallowood 17 yard run (Matheson kick).
ME-Brock Smith 1 yard run (Matheson kick).
NT-Joey Simpson 1 yard run (Simpson run).

Records: Miami East 6-2 (6-1); National Trail 0-8 (0-7).