Trojans are in the finals for the third-straight season
(Photo credit: Cindy Cassada)
| Sunday, October 28, 2018 | BataviasBest.org
The Alexander Trojans have been an absolute powerhouse in Section V Class D throughout the past three seasons, as they’ve gone 28-2 over the course of their last 30 games – including a championship season in 2016. They fell in the title game in 2017, but are returning to the final round this year as they hope to avenge that loss, following a 45-12 win over Perry/Mt. Morris in this past weekend’s Class D Semifinal.
“I thought we were well-prepared and had a good game plan on both sides of the ball,” said Alexander head coach Tim Sawyer following the win. “It was one of our better games this year.”
The Trojan offense was potent as usual on Saturday evening and was led by RB Chris McClinic, who finally seems fully healthy after a foot injury ailed him in previous weeks. McClinic carried the ball 19 times vs P/MM, totaling 108 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. His counterpart, RB Terrez Smith, also had a strong day running the football and totaled 142 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on only 10 carries.
The Trojans’ passing game wasn’t as capable as in past weeks, but QB Dylan Busch did manage to go 3/8 passing for 66 yards and a passing touchdown, despite throwing 2 interceptions. WR Ty Woods caught the lone score from Busch.
(Photo credit: Cindy Cassada)
Defensively it was once again a big day for Alexander LB Jake Jasen, who totaled 8 tackles in the win. Woods added 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception.
Moving forward the Trojans look ahead to a matchup in the Class D Final with cinderalla #6 seed York/Pavilion, who defeated #2 Canisteo-Greenwood (12-7) in the other Class D Semifinal. Alexander previously defeated Y/P 50-12 in Week 1 of the regular season.
It seems as if the championship is almost a sure bet for the Trojans, but the Knights are as hot a team as there is in Section V, and have improved in many areas since the last time these two teams met. I expect a more-competitive game this weekend at 7:00 pm at Alfred University.
“I’m not surprised to see York/Pavilion in this game,” said coach Sawyer to conclude his comments. “They’re playing very good football right now and you could see it coming. We will get back to work this week.”
