Trojans Win Double Overtime Thriller 35-34

This weekend it was the annual “Rushing for a Cure” game, where the players are encouraged to wear pink to raise awareness of breast cancer. The Trojans returned home this weekend to take on their old DAC rivals, Jamestown College. The Trojans have not taken on the Jimmies since the 2010 season, where they lost in Madison. The Trojan seniors got their revenge, winning in double over time to secure a 35-34 victory for their second win of the season.

The first quarter the run game was rolling for the Trojans. A lot of quick runs and some hard yards were gained on the muddy surface of Trojan field. Kicker Nic Behrens buried a 27-yard field goal to grab an early 3-0 lead over the Jimmies. The defense played well early getting a stop to give the ball back to the offense. The Trojan run game set up a play action pass from Large to Berg for an 83-yard touchdown to extend their lead 10-0. Right before the half, the Jimmies finally got on the board with a 1-yard run.

The Trojans got the ball to start the second half and drove down the field, where Behrens buried an 18-yard field goal. The Jimmies started a running game of their own and went deep on a play action pass, scoring a 53-yard touchdown to grab a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Trojan offense went on a tear again until it was halted by a fumble.

Jamestown capitalized off this and drove down and scored on a 13-yard run, extending the lead 21-13. The offense went into a no huddle to try and get a rhythm and they did just that. Brandon Large threw an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Bobby Tisch to cap off a seven play, 72-yard drive. Bryson Hunter gave an amazing second effort on his catch in the flats and stretched it over the line on the two-point conversion to tie the game 21-21.

The ensuing kickoff was kicked out of bounds setting the jimmies up in prime position with about 2:00 left in the game. On a fourth and three situation, Jamestown ran a 40-yard touchdown, which what looked the play that would seal the game.

“We have been moving the ball very all game, we just had to relax and do the same thing, we also had some big catches and big plays by some of our receivers,” said Brandon Large.

The Trojans did just that, they capped off a nine-play 55-yard drive with a 3-yard pass from Large to Carl Curtis, his cousin. So the game was headed to over time in Madison!

The Trojans won the toss and elected to put their defense on the field first. The defense held Jamestown on four downs when the Jimmies kicker missed the field goal. It was the Trojans turn to get the ball and let marches all the way down to the 1-yard line but was backed up on third down on a false start penalty. Nic Behrens missed the game winning field goal on fourth down. So the offense switched possessions and got the ball first in the second OT. Brandon Large hit Curtis down the left side and what appeared to look like Curtis crossed the plane with the ball but was ruled out at the one. John Niesen punched it in on a 1-yard dive.

Jamestown got the ball back and scored on a 8-yard run. On the following play, the Jamestown head coach made a gutsy call and went for two. The 3-yard pass attempt was broken up by freshmen safety Ben Kullos. The Trojans walked away from this nail biter with a 35-34 victory.

“When there were plenty of reasons to consider giving up, all of our athletes did was find a way to win. I’m so proud of the fight our guys still have,” said Head Coach Josh Anderson

This victory moved the Trojans record to 2-7 on the year. The Trojans will return home next weekend, November 3rd to take on their rival Mayville State on senior day. Kickoff is set for 3pm.