After the game had been moved from Craik Park to 5 Sports due to rain, the night remained dry throughout the battle between and Trojans and Seahawks.
The Trojans knew they had their hands full with the #1 ranked Seahawks who had not been challenged so far this season by any of their opponents. The Seahawks started strong, scoring on a two play offensive drive. Trojans’ defence held the 2 point attempt. Seahawks up 6-0 fast. After the Trojans’ offence failed to get a first down in the entire game last week, they were out to prove that that was an anomaly not the norm for them this year. Opening drive and the Trojans get a first down through a Michael Head QB sneak. This took the pressure off them to get that first, first down. But the drive did end in a punt with some missed opportunities.
The Trojans’ defence were on their heels on the next Seahawks’ drive, but recovered a fumble inside their own redzone. Trojans’ offence got a drive going with the first play resulting in a 29 yard pick up by running back Jason Lelua. A nice catch by Nathan Cornwell and then another strong run from Jason Lelua brought up a first down for the Trojans’ offence, starting to dispel the thoughts that the Trojans’ offence was a weak link for the team. An 8 yard pick up by Adam Goddard and then a 15 yard run by Jason Lelua brought up another first down this time at the Seahawks’ 11 yard line. But there the drive stalled with plays for losses and ultimately an interception thrown on a pass intended for Kris Gacuma.
The Trojans’ defence made some good plays on the ensuing Seahawks’ drive, but it was not enough to prevent a Seahawks’ touchdown by their quarterback on an option play from mid-field. Score now 14-0 Seahawks.
A 22 yard catch by Kris Gacuma started another solid drive for the Trojans which got them into Seahawks’ territory again but the drive ends the same as the last with an interception on a pass intended for Adam Goddard which was returned quickly for a touchdown. Score now 20-0 to the Seahawks.
The next drive ended on another interception, the last thrown for the game by young quarterback Michael Head. The Trojans’ defence held a last minute drive by the Seahawks to end the half.
Trojans got the ball first to start the second half, but unfortunately did nothing with it. A good punt and the Trojans’ defence had good field position to work with. After holding the Seahawks to 4th and 10, Seahawks’ running back #21 took a simple zone running play all the way to the endzone. With the two point conversion good, the score was now 28-0 in favour of the Seahawks.
The first play of the next drive saw Michael Head move up in the pocket and connect with Nathan Cornwell for a 53 yard touchdown strike. With the two point conversion good, the score now stood at 28-8. On the very next drive, the Seahawks executed a counter run play for a large gain and then a similar looking play for the touchdown. A two play drive for the second time of the night. Two point play good and the score is now 36-8, which is where it would end.
The game ended with Trojans’ DE Siale Langi stumbling onto the field to take his position with coach Piscioneri on the spot attempting to prevent him to enter the field and then catching Siale as he fell to the ground. Siale was taken away in an ambulance, having difficulties talking and squeaking your hand. Siale was diagnosed with concussion and was kept in hospital for 4 hours. He was home by 2am and resting on Sunday. We wish Siale a speedy recovery.
As for the Trojans’ performance, the offence certainly did better than a week ago, but the team as a whole have a lot of work a head of them and need to work hard from now until the end of the season in order to make the top 3 and thus the play-offs. The level of attendance and focus at training will dictate the Trojans’ fate.
