UTICA – Michael Kuhn and Donnell Marshall each scored two touchdowns to lead the Centerburg Trojans to a 28-14 victory at Utica in both teams’ openers.
The Trojans, who went 2-8 last season, needed to get this season started on a good note.
“It’s great to get the momentum started,” Centerburg coach Andy Colella said. “These guys fought through all the ups and downs, all the peaks and valleys.”
Kuhn pounded through the line for the initi score late in the first quarter. He caught a touchdown pass from John Sheasby with eight seconds to play in the half to give Centerburg a 14-7 lead.
Marshall scored on two runs in the fourth quarter. He finished with 90 yards on 10 carries.
“Our guys up front (on the line) did a good job,” Colella said. “We had way too many penalties, and we could have scored more. But, it’s Week 1. We’ll get back to work on Monday, and we’ll work to improve.”
Sheasby completed half of his 20 passes for 103 yards.
Kuhn rushed for 84 yards. Stephen Schmitt caught four passes for 48 yards.
Schmitt and Kuhn led the Trojans in tackling. Marshall and Hayden Sutton each picked off Utica passes.
Friday was Centerburg’s eighth straight victory over the Redskins. Utica last won the rivalry in 2010.
The Trojans have a tougher test in Lucas next Friday. The Cubs defeated Danville, 22-0, on Friday.
