Dordt Defenders Defend Their Turf; Beat Trojans 24-7

The Trojans traveled to Sioux Center, Iowa to take on the Dordt Defenders this past Saturday. The Trojans were looking for their second win in a row but fell short by a score of 24-7.

The Trojan offense put up amazing numbers but failed to put it in the end zone to get them on the board. For as mistake filled as this game was, the Trojans were in the game the whole time but could not convert when in the red zone. This loss moved their record to 1-7 on the year.

In the first quarter, everything seemed to be going the Trojans’ way after Matt Groff got an interception to set the offense up in great field position. Brandon Large connected to Stacey Berg on a 31-yard touchdown pass to give the Trojans a seven-point lead.

On the following possession, the defense got another stop and the offense drove right down to the red zone, but failed to score when Brandon Large was picked off on the four yard line. The Defenders kicked a field goal to trim the lead to 7-3. On the next possession, Brandon Large was hit and fumbled and Dordt returned it for a touchdown, taking the lead 10-3. Brandon Large was picked off on the six-yard line with 3:10 left before halftime.

In the second half, it was the same story for the Trojans except the defense gave up one big play, which extended Dordt’s lead to 17-7. The offense stalled out in the red zone once again. Late in the game, the Trojan defense stopped the Defenders on four straight downs inside the ten yard line to get the ball back for the offense for one last try to cut the lead. The offense used 13 plays for 72 yards but failed on a 42- yard field goal attempt with 1:23 remaining to make it a one-possession game.

The Trojans offense outgained Dordt with 452 yards compared to Dordt’s 340. The Trojans had 23 first downs compared to DC’s 16.

Large was 27-for-54 with 335 passing yards for the Trojans. He had a touchdown and recorded three interceptions in the game. John Niesen rushed 18 times for 70 yards. Bobby Tisch had eight receptions for 98 yards. Stacey Berg added four catches for 68 yards with a touchdown. Zach Ely had four receptions for 41 yards. Wes Dauz recorded three receptions for 83 yards.

Craig Hertz had 10 tackles for the Trojans. Eric Liles added nine tackles. Ben Kullos and Tyler Poggemeyer each recorded a forced fumble in the game. Matt Groff had an interception and returned for 13 yards. He also recorded a fumble recovery.

The Trojans will return home next weekend to take on formal DAC rivals, Jamestown. Kickoff is set for 1pm.