(Photo credit: Steve Ognibene)
| Monday, October 22, 2018 | BataviasBest.org
Alexander’s toughest game of the 2018 season came this past weekend in the Class D Quarterfinal vs Red Jacket, who tested the Trojans for four quarters. Alexander wound up winning the game 25-12 on Friday night, but it wasn’t easy by any means.
Alexander RB Chris McClinic was limited in their win over Red Jacket on Friday. (Photo credit: Steve Ognibene)
“I give a lot of credit to (their) staff and players for putting together a very good game plan and going out and executing it,” said Trojans head coach Tim Sawyer following the game. “They are very big and tough up front and they chewed up the clock at times in this game. We were pushed tonight.”
Alexander struck first in the first quarter on Friday night, when backup signal caller Ty Woods came on for starter Dylan Busch, and took a QB sweep six yards for the touchdown. Following a successful PAT from freshman kicker Eric Cline, it was 7-0.
The Trojans then extended their lead in the second quarter, as a 5-yard run from FB Hayden Walton pushed the score to 13-0 (missed PAT). They failed to preserve the shutout going into halftime, however, as Red Jacket was able to find the end zone with just about 1:00 to go in the half on a 40-yard touchdown pass from QB Matt Record to WR Chase Rizzo.
Following the Indians’ touchdown, the Alexander offense wasted no time picking up where they left off on their previous drive after a short kickoff gave them quality field position. Seconds later the Trojans found the end zone for the third time, as Woods once again crossed the goal line, after securing a 7-yard pass from Busch. The PAT was then blocked, which made the score 19-6 – a mark which would stand going into halftime.
Out of the break, Red Jacket was able to put together a methodical drive which took plenty of time off of the clock, and capped it off with a short touchdown run from RB Logan Kiefer. Following the touchdown which cut Alexander’s lead to 19-12, Red Jacket recovered an onside kick which took the Trojans by surprise.
Suddenly the game had become very interesting.
However, Alexander was able to recover and stop the Indians, which set up their final score which came during the fourth quarter. Breaking free for a 36-yard, game-clinching touchdown run was banged up RB Chris McClinic, who had missed the previous game due to a foot injury. The scamper for the score increased the Trojans’ lead to 25-12 – and that’s where the score would remain until the final gun.
FB Hayden Walton found his way into the end zone on Friday night. (Photo credit: Steve Ognibene)
Woods was the top-statistical contributor for Alexander in the win, recording 3 carries for 25 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown, while also adding 5 receptions for 62 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
McClinic had a limited night by his standards, carrying the ball 12 times for only 81 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Busch finished 10/16 passing for 117 passing yards and 1 passing touchdown, while also throwing an interception.
On defense for the Trojans LB Jake Jasen was once again the team’s leading tackler with 18, and also recorded 1 sack and a fumble recovery. Walton added to his rushing touchdown with 10 tackles, while LB Terrez Smith made 4 tackles and grabbed 1 interception.
Next up for Alexander (8-0) will be a Class D Semifinal matchup with #4 Perry/Mt. Morris (5-3) this Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm at Cal-Mum HS.
Stay tuned for continued coverage of the Section V Football Playoffs.
