Winter is setting in and this night was no exception out at cold Craik Park.
The Trojans had their collective backs against the wall in their fight to stay alive for the playoffs. Their fight shone through as the Trojans quickly got on the board after recovering a Panthers’ fumble on the opening kick-off, scoring on their first offensive snap by way of a Jarrad Clarke run. Extra point good, 7-0 Trojans. The Panthers decided to challenge Jarrad Clarke on their next offensive drive with a long pass and they lost. Jarrad returned the interception 27 yards deep into Panthers territory. Unfortunately the Trojans couldn’t do anything with the possession.
The Panthers got a drive going but the relentless play from linebackers Nathan Reeves and Chris Cochbain put an end to that and got the ball back on a turnover on downs inside Trojans territory. Three plays later and Jarrad Clarke takes a slant 62 yards to pay dirt and with the extra point good, the score was now 14-0.
Trojans’ defence made quick work of the Panthers’ next drive and the Trojans’ offence capitalised on it with a thorough drive capped by an Adam Goddard touchdown run who was aided by excellent blocking by Myles Jones, Ben Vitagliano and Mario Romero. Extra point good so score now 21-0.
After a Chris Cochbain blocked punt, the Trojans didn’t have much field to cover for another score. Three plays later and Nathan Reeves cashed in behind some more great blocking to take the score to 27-0 and ending the half.
The test was now for the Trojans to keep up their intensity for the entire game. On this night, they were up to the challenge as Adam Goddard took the opening kick-off of the second half all the way back for a touchdown. Two point play was good and the score was quickly, 35-0.
Once again, the Trojans’ defence made short work of the Panthers’ offence and got the ball back inside Panthers’ territory on a turnover on downs. On the first play of the next drive, Kris Gacuma scores on a 35 yard reception down the middle. He converts his own touchdown to make the score 42-0.
The Panthers put together an impressive, long drive to earn their first touchdown of the game by way of a run by their quarterback. Making the score now 42-6.
A Michael Head interception saw the Panthers with the ball on the Trojans 2 yard line. One play later and the Panthers get their second touchdown, again on a run by their quarterback. Score is now 42-14.
Credit to the Panthers for attempting an onside kick but it backfired as it went straight to Kris Gacuma who promptly took it back to the Panthers’ 17 yard line. This time the Trojans used their passing game to move the ball with key catches from Jaidyn Williams and Nathan Cornwell. A brilliant heads up play by Michael Head (pardon the pun) resulted in another touchdown for Kris Gacuma. This rounded out the scoring at Trojans 49, Panthers 14.
For the third week in a row, the Trojans showed great fight and focus. They will need all they can find for next weeks clash with the unscathed Sutherland Seahawks.
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