| BataviasBest.org
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Alexander gave the Lancers all they could handle on a rainy and wet Saturday afternoon, as they wound up defeating Elba by a score of 21-0 following a slow start in the first quarter. Utilizing a run-heavy approach offensively, as well as their speed on defense, the Trojans found a way to keep the opposing offense off balance all day long and went home with an easy victory.
For the first eleven minutes of the game each side was unable to mount any sort of rhythm on the offensive side. But after a few consecutive punts from Alexander with one minute to go in the first, Elba wound up with the ball deep in the shadow of their own end zone, hoping to go the length of the field for the game’s first score.
Just as quickly as their potential go-ahead possession began, however, it came to a screeching halt.
Going to the air on a first down play, the Lancers’ Garrett Chappell fired a quick-pass to the right side of the formation that was picked off by the Trojans’ Derrick Busch and returned about 15 yards for the touchdown. Busch made a real nice play on the ball as he was able to step in front of the intended receiver, and took the return for six. Just like that the seal had been broken, and with about fifty seconds remaining in the first quarter following the PAT, Alexander had taken a 7-0 lead.
To begin the second quarter, Elba was forced to punt on their ensuing possession after once again being shut down by the Trojan defense. Already behind by one score and giving the ball back to the Alexander offense, the Lancers would really need to get a stop if they hoped to stay in the game.
Unfortunately for Elba, though, the Trojans proved to be too much for them on this day.
After receiving the punt, on the second play of the drive, Alexander called for a direct snap to the running back Tristan Aldinger – which was something they had implemented this week with several of their running backs. Using the creative play call, Aldinger found space in the Lancers’ front and hit the hole for 30 yards and the game’s second touchdown.
With the big play and ensuing PAT, Alexander had given themselves an early 14-0 lead which I knew Elba would struggle to come back from.
All season long the Lancers main weakness on the field has been their offense. While they have performed admirably on defense and have put together a fine season with a nice record, it has been clear that Elba just simply does not have a high-powered attack capable of putting up crooked numbers on the scoreboard. Because of this, in order to win games this season they have done a nice job keeping opposing offenses in check while also creating timely offense of their own when they have needed it. However, when a team like that finds itself down by two scores so early in the game, it is tough for them to mount a major comeback, and this proved to be true on Saturday.
Later in the second quarter, Alexander took over on offense again after a few punts from each side winded the clock inside of three minutes to go in the half. Immediately as they retained possession, they would put the game away for good as Jake Wozniak took a 51 yard touchdown run off the left side and to the house. Going ahead 21-0 following the PAT, Alexander went into the locker room with a sizable lead, and the rest was history.
At game’s end, the Trojans had won the game by three scores and improved their record to 5-2 in order to earn second place within the GR League and second place within Class DD.
“Our boys played very physical football today,” said Alexander head coach Tim Sawyer after the lopsided victory. “It was a huge win. Sophomore Derrick Busch is unbelievably good.”
Elba will go on to face Bath on the road next week. Next up for the Trojans will be a match up with three-seeded Avon in the first round of Sectionals, who Sawyer believes will present his team with a unique challenge.
“I am just watching film on them now,” he said as we spoke last night. “They have a very athletic QB who can run or throw it in a spread offense. They’re hot as of now, winning four in a row, and will present a tough match up.”
Just as hot as the Braves will likely be, however, is Sawyer’s team.
Winners of four in a row themselves, the Trojans have been progressing at a rate that goes unmatched throughout the GR League and perhaps Section V. As a team who began the season with a loss to CG Finney, this group has really came on as of late and will carry an increased sense of momentum into the next phase of the season. Utilizing strong play from their running game, inventive play calling, and stout defense, it looks as if Alexander will have a chance in Class DD.
Official Stats for Saturday’s Game:
- Defensively the Trojans earned their second shut out of the season
- Senior Tyler Laird led the Trojans with 8 tackles and a sack on the day
- Sophmore DE Dustin Schmeider had 3 tackles, 1 sack and 2 fumble recoveries
- Sophmore Derrick Busch had 4 tackles and 1 interception returned for a touchdown
- Senior LB Cody Trzecieski had 4 tackles 1 blocked punt and a fumble recovery
- Junior RB Jacob Wozniak 23 carries for 108 yards and 1 touchdown
- Senior RB Tristan Aldinger 14 carries for 128 yards and 1 touchdown
Other articles you may like:
Alexander Sectional Report: Trojans sit in second position in Class DD
Elba Sectional Report: Here are the Lancers’ Playoff scenarios leading up to the game today
