Running Back Damari Jones Runs the Blazers Back to the Playoffs for the First Time since 2014

Through seven weeks, Addison Trail sat at 5-2, and were playoff eligible. Thursday night they were looking to officially clinch their first playoff berth in nine years. They would have to get through West Suburban Gold conference rival Leyden on the road.

That dream of getting back to the postseason came to fruition in Northlake with a 20-7 victory. The Blazers scored all 20 points in the first half.

Senior running back Damari Jones scored a 59 yard run with 3:59 left in the first quarter. In the second quarter, junior defensive back Raja Corhn picked off a James Falco pass and returned it 14 yards, and sophomore quarterback Nico Dill scored on a 1 yard sneak four plays after the Blazers blocked a punt.

The Eagles scored their lone touchdown on a 3 yard run by running back Trystan Grimes late in the 3rd quarter. They had an opportunity to get within one score, but the Blazers defense forced a fumble late, and Damari Jones had a 43 yard run to ice the game.

Jones led the young Blazers with 16 carries for 149 yards. The Blazers defense also sacked James Falco 4 times, including 2 by sophomore defensive lineman Nick Paraschiv. Paraschiv would've had a third sack, but it was wiped out after a facemask penalty.

Nico Dill, went 8/17 for 137 yards. Sophomore receiver Noah Cruz had 4 catches for 41 yards. Junior receivers Dominic Renc (56 yards) and Casey Carlson (32 yards) each caught 2 passes from Dill.

Trystan Grimes led the Eagles with 12 carries for 40 yards. James Falco was 6/14 for 121 yards. Javier Ibarra had 8 carries for 22 yards. Receiver Isaiah Diblich caught 2 passes for 42 yards.

The Blazers (6-2, 3-2 WSC Gold) will travel to Downers Grove South (5-3, 5-0 WSC Gold), and the Eagles (2-6, 2-3 WSC Gold) will travel to Willowbrook (6-2, 4-1 WSC Gold).