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TROJANS LOSE TOUGH CONTEST TO 5A OPPONENT
Friday’s game against the Mustangs seemed like a sequel to the Trojans’ contest against Hazlehurst. There were plenty of bright moments for the Trojans in front of their home crowd, but big plays by the Mustangs down the stretch allowed them to pull away for a 35-20 victory.
It started off like a bang for the Trojans when on the second Mustang possession Jamal Keyes intercepted a pass and set up the offense on the visitors’ 9 yard line. He would finish what he started scoring on a reverse and giving the Trojans a 7-0 lead after Caanan Collins’ PAT.
The Trojan Defense would play well in the first half and spent a lot of time in the Mustang backfield. Timely sacks by De’Myrion Washington, Trez Bridges, Javonta Milton and Kyle Thompson helped keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard. The only score by the visitors in the first half would be aided by a chop block against the Trojan Defense that had Trojan fans scratching their heads.
Penalties and turnovers cost the Trojans in the first half and the offense couldn’t find consistency which resulted in missed opportunities and a 7-7 score at the break.
West Jones would come out of the locker hot in the second half and scored on their next two possessions to lead 21-7. The Trojans would not give up when on their next possession Tyrique McAfee connected on a 40 yard pass to Jamal Keyes. The Trojans would finish the job when McAfee connected with RJ Hopkins on a touchdown pass. It was 21-14 Mustangs.
The Trojan Defense would rise up and stop the Mustangs on their next possession and momentum was clearly on the side of the Trojans. One of the turning points of the game would then occur when the Trojans muffed the punt and gave the Mustangs first down inside the red zone. The Mustangs would cash in and lead 28-14.
The Trojan Offense would again respond. On a drive keyed by a huge reception by RJ Hopkins, the Trojans would score when Jadarius Payne rumbled in from 3 yards out. The PAT was blocked and it was 28-20 Mustangs.
The Defense would come up with big plays including a huge sack by De’Myrion Washington that would set up the Mustangs with 4th and 9. The Mustangs decided to go and the Trojans would jump offsides to create 4th and 4. On the next play the Mustangs would seal the victory with a 40 yard keeper by the quarterback for a touchdown.
The Trojan players will tell you that they had a great week of preparation leading up to the game, but it didn’t translate fully on the field. If they continue to work hard, it will come together for this team. The Trojans are off this week and then face their last non-conference opponent the following Friday. This is no ordinary non-conference opponent. It is a battle with rival Mendenhall at Tiger Field.
Fans and this community need to ask the questions, “How can I be an encouragement to these players?” “How can I make a difference in the lives of these young men who are working hard to represent their school and city?” The same could be said of the band and cheerleaders who are doing a great job.
The student body at Magee High School wants you to help them show that Trojan Pride as they prepare for an exciting Spirit Week beginning on Monday.
