A Golden Day at Dix Stadium: Coach Burns' First Win with Kent State
Kent, Ohio - As the sun cast its golden hue over Dix Stadium, the Kent State Golden Flashes, facing adversity after a challenging start to the season, rose to the occasion, delivering new Head Coach Kenni Burns his first victory at the helm. With a decisive 38-10 triumph over the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, the Flashes aim to harness this momentum and forge ahead.
Game Highlights:
From the outset, the Flashes' strategy was evident: they were committed to their ground game. Gavin Garcia, the dynamic running back, was the centerpiece of their offensive strategy on Saturday. He navigated through the defense, amassing 125 yards and two touchdowns. A proud Coach Kenni Burns noted in the post-game press conference, “I told him we're going to ride him today, and he did a great job.”
Quarterback Michael Alaimo showcased efficiency, throwing for 172 yards and completing 12 of his 16 attempts. His highlights included a 43-yard TD pass to Trell Harris in the 1st Quarter and a 3-yard TD run in the 3rd.
Wide receiver Trell Harris compounded the Blue Devils' challenges. His standout 94-yard performance was punctuated by a 43-yard touchdown reception in the 1st Quarter.
A Defensive Wall:
The game's narrative wasn't solely about offense. The Golden Flashes' defense stood tall, restricting the Blue Devils to a mere 153 total yards. Their defensive stats included 11 tackles for loss and two pivotal interceptions. Players like CJ West and Nick Giacolone spearheaded this defensive onslaught, ensuring the Blue Devils remained subdued.
Burns' Moment in the Sun:
For Head Coach Kenni Burns, this game was personal. It marked his first victory as a Head Coach. An emotional Burns reflected on the significance of this win, stating, "It's a special moment, I'm not going to underplay that... you work so hard to be a head coach in this moment and to get a win and to be with that group of guys… I love those kids man. I can't say that enough. They didn't pick me but I picked them…” He further emphasized the team's potential, asserting, “I'm going to throw it out there and say it, we have a very good defense. They play cohesively together, they play fast, they play smart, they're getting better and better each game. They just can't slow down. They can't get comfortable and I'm not going to let them…”
Looking Forward:
The victory brings Kent State's season record to 1-2. The Golden Flashes continued their success at home. They now have 13 wins in their last 15 games at Dix Stadium. The Golden Flashes are now gearing up for their next challenge against Fresno State. Fresno State is now 3-0 after a shutout win over Arizona State 29-0.