By Brandon Judeh

sports@vindy.com

HUBBARD

Trumbull County’s best-kept secret is no longer a secret.

The person in question is Hubbard’s L.J. Scott and he had a breakout night in the Eagles’ 58–28 thrashing of Canfield.

Scott, who is only a sophomore, rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns in the first half and finished with 234 yards and five touchdowns in three quarters of play.

“Scott is a well-rounded player, a hard worker and he’s a coachable individual, which makes him a great asset,” Hubbard head coach Brian Hoffman said.

It took just 12 seconds for Scott to make his presence felt as he rushed up the middle for an explosive 60-yard touchdown run on the first play of the game.

“That run was real big,” Scott said. “I did it for my team. We all stick together and we want to make the playoffs so bad.”

Scott’s career night featured five runs of 20-plus yards and he also had two receptions for 22 yards. His touchdown runs were for 60, 27, 4, 6 and 28 yards.

“This is my first time rushing for more than 200 yards,” Scott said. “It was a special night, but I plan on continuing to work hard and stay in shape so I can help my team.”

Scott’s teammates weren’t too shabby, either.

Quarterback Brandon Harb threw two touchdown passes, including a 62-yard pass to Scott’s brother, Isiah.

“He showed a lot of guts tonight,” Hoffman said. “Brandon keeps getting better every week, he’s a dual threat with both his legs and arm.”

Isiah Scott also had a blocked punt in the first half to set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Harb.

Hubbard (7-3, 3-3 All-American Conference, American Division) had a 44-14 halftime lead.

Canfield (2-8, 1-5) did have a few sparks, including a 92-yard kickoff return by junior Jake Dawson in the first half and a 52-yard fumble return by Alec Heldreth, but those would be the only highlights of the night for the Cardinals.

“Hubbard is an excellent football team and I hope they get their chance in the playoffs, because I know they can do some damage,” said Canfield head coach Mike Pavlansky.

The Eagles now must wait until Sunday to learn if their season will continue with a Division III, Region 9 playoff berth.

“It is a little nerve-racking, but nonetheless, it’s exciting,” Hoffman said. “I don’t care how we get in, I just want to get in.”

Harb passed for 172 yards and two TDs and ran for 44 yards and a score.

Hubbard’s Darnell Tate had 92 yards of total offense and a TD catch and kicker Vlassios Pizanias had a 26-yard field goal.

Canfield’s junior quarterback Kimu Kim rushed for 101 yards and a TD, Aaron Jenkins added a 9-yard TD run.