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Unfortunately, that wait had to last even longer thanks to a 45-minute lightning delay to kick off. That didn’t seem to slow down the Falcons, as they took home a 30-0 victory over the Trailblazers.

“These kids work, they work hard,� first-year head coach Jeremy Wagner said. “They’re like soldiers. I ask them to stand where they fight and fight they will. It’s a can-do mentality all over again. These guys have absolutely blown me away.�

Volunteer (1-0) running back Bryson Christian brought a bolt of energy of his own, taking the second play from scrimmage 68 yards for an opening drive touchdown.

After a three-and-out by Boone (0-1), the Falcons drove down the field inside the Trailblazer 20. But, the drive stalled, forcing an Evan Wilder field goal from 33 yards out, which was good.

Christian struck again late in the first quarter, as he bursted through a seam for a 52-yard touchdown to give the Falcons a 16-0 lead. He finished his day with 13 carries for 207 yards and those two touchdowns.

“Let’s call it how it is, them big hog-mollies up front were great,� Wagner said. “At the end of the day, when they’re doing their job, Bryson’s going to love them…What a talent he is touching the rock and it’s crazy he’s only a sophomore.�

Volunteer wasn’t done before halftime, as they executed the two-minute drill to perfection. A 27-yard Christian run set up 1st-and-goal from the Daniel Boone 10-yard line. Quarterback Lincoln Wilson found Amarion Graves for a passing score, giving the Falcons a 22-0 lead at the break.

On the first drive out of the halftime locker room the Trailblazers were once again forced to punt, but a bad snap led to a safety and two points for the Falcons.

Later in the quarter, Wilson threw for his second touchdown pass of the night, finding Isaiah Ward for a 13-yard completion. The signal caller went 10-of-16 for 128 yards, the two scores, and one late interception.

A solid night considering Wagner had kept his starting quarterback under wraps until kickoff.

“The kid is a gunslinger,� Wagner said. “He’s a gambler. The main thing he does is command first. He literally puts his teammates first before him. I’ve seen him do things in practice I wish that most college kids could do. I call it how it is, he’s a great kid. He’s a great leader, and in the locker room I wouldn’t want anyone else.�

Amarion Graves was Wilson’s favorite target, catching five passes for 67 yards. Nathan Simpson had two receptions for 25 yards and Brandon Begley had a 13-yard catch.

After the Ward touchdown reception put the game at 30-0, the game finished under continuous clock, limiting possessions.

Daniel Boone had one last opportunity to get on the board in the fourth quarter, driving down to the Volunteer 10-yard line. However, the drive stalled to turn the ball over on downs, allowing the Falcons to run the clock out.

The Volunteer defense was strong all night long, not only pitching a shutout but allowing just 112 yards of total offense. The run defense was particularly stout, surrendering just 2.14 yards per carry.

“That goes to Patrick Wilson and the defensive coaches,� Wagner said. “That credit goes to the assistant coaches and the kids. This ain’t on me. These guys are a book full of knowledge.�

Dru Fleming led the Trailblazers with 70 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Quarterback Ry Stone went 4-for-16 for 52 yards through the air, with Fleming catching two passes and Walker Barton hauling in a pair.

After picking up his first win in his first game and ending a 24-game long losing streak dating back to October 2022, Wagner hopes the Church Hill community appreciates their support.

“I love the community and they mean a lot to me,� he said. “I wanted to thank them for coming here and watching these kids play their hearts out. I just love this place.�

Up Next

Daniel Boone will welcome in South Greene for its home opener next Friday. Volunteer will travel to Claiborne next week.