![Burnsville quarterback Kamal Martin (7) runs the ball as the Burnsville Blaze hosted the Edina Hornets ] MATT BLEWETT ï matt@mattebphoto.com - October 23, 2015, Burnsville, MN, Burnsville High School, Prep Football, Burnsville Blaze vs. Edina Hornets](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/I5L5P2K6FYE44MQFJYKHQYPKWA.jpg?&w=1080)
To the untrained eye, Burnsville's 17-7 victory over Edina on Friday would seem like little more than a nice victory for a very good team.
But to the Burnsville players, coaching staff and fans, it meant a whole lot more.
Behind a defense that held off an impressive Edina passing attack, the Blaze advanced to the Class 6A state tournament, its first state tournament appearance since 1995. The victory was extra sweet considering where Burnsville was five years ago, when coach Tyler Krebs was hired and brought a five-year plan to a program winning two or three games each season.
"This victory was five years in the making," senior lineman Benn Olson said. "We're proud to be the program that brings Burnsville back to where it should be."
The Blaze took a 14-0 halftime lead on a pair of 1-yard runs by quarterback Kamal Martin. But in the second half, penalties, a sluggish offense and an Edina passing attack led to tense moments for Burnsville fans.
The Blaze defense bent a bit but gave up only one touchdown and picked off Brock Boltmann three times.
"I don't really get nervous," Krebs said. "I know how much work this team puts in. I wish we could have made fewer mistakes, because that was not our best game, but that says a lot about where we are when we can win without playing our best."
For Martin, the victory was something to be cherished. "It's a blessing," he said. "I've never won a championship or anything before. What a great feeling to be the first Burnsville team in 20 years to do this."
