Jones scores 4 goals, Edison ties for first in SBC

VERMILION — Sandusky Bay Conference champions once again. That is the title the Edison boys soccer team can claim after another offensive outburst Wednesday. Behind a haul from Carter Jones, the Chargers defeated Vermilion 7-0 to cap off an undefeated regular season. With the victory, a season full of records continued as Edison completed the first undefeated season in program history (16-0-1). As the celebration started after 80 minutes of play, the Edison coaches realized the significance of the moment. "Perfect regular seasons do not happen often," Edison coach Nate Leimeister said. "These guys have put so much time and effort into this season and they set out goals 12 months ago." For the first 10 minutes, the game went up and down the pitch. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute as Jones started his offensive outburst with a goal off a rebound. Not even a minute later, the Chargers found the net again, this time from another senior, José Serna Amaya. "I feel that we performed up to our potential tonight," Jones said. "My teammates played me great balls and I did my best to cash in the opportunities." Edison's seven goals put them at 145 for the season. According to the OHSAA record books, that puts them fifth all-time. "The second these guys step on the pitch they are ready to play," Leimeister said. "These guys want to win and continue to put the ball in the back of the net." After the back-to-back goals, play continued in the Vermilion defensive third until the 36th minute when Jones found the net again to put the Chargers up 3-0. Edison continued its offensive outburst in the second half, pouring in four more goals. Jones netted two more, with Serna Amaya and senior Alex Davidson scoring the other two. "We have been looking forward to this game since we tied Perkins," Serna Amaya said. "We knew we had to win this game to share with Perkins and we knew Vermilion is a very good team we could not take lightly." One goal has been checked off, but Edison players and coaches know there is more to play for. "This season has gone great," Davidson said. "We have had high expectations all summer and going into this fall, but we are not done yet." After the undefeated regular season, multiple scoring records and one championship marked off the goal sheet, Edison turns its focus to the postseason and another match versus Clyde next week. "We open with a conference opponent in Clyde, who we already beat," Davidson said. "After that, the focus turns to either Upper Sandusky or Port Clinton, another SBC opponent." If the Chargers defeat Clyde, then they will face the winner of Upper Sandusky-Port Clinton in Shelby on Oct. 21. "Our focus all year has been the next game," Leimeister said. "It will be my job to keep these guys focused and ready for the tournament. This season has been fun, but the true excitement starts now."