Manson Trojans dominate Liberty Christian Patriots

MANSON – The Trojans hosted the Liberty Christian Patriots for an elimination game, Friday, Nov. 3 at Manson Athletic Complex (MAC) field. In the loser-out match up, the Patriots and Trojans went head to head for a chance at the state championship.
The Trojans had a tough start in the game with fumbles and interceptions, allowing the Patriots 12 points while being unable to put up points themselves against Liberty Christian’s tough defense. Ending the first half with a score of Trojans zero and Patriots 12, “we knew we had made mistakes,” said Head Coach Joey Johanson, “and knew what we had to do to win.” As the second half started, the Trojans came to the field prepared to take the game back. Thirteen seconds into the third quarter, Running Back Joe Strecker returned an onside kick from the Patriots and drove it down field 62 yards for the Trojan’s first touchdown of the game. The next play, with the ball in Patriots’ possession, the Trojan’s defensive line sacked Liberty Christian’s Quarterback and stripped the ball returning it to the end zone for another Trojan touchdown, missing the field goal, but taking the lead with a score of 13-12. As the defensive battle continued through the third quarter, the Trojans landed another touchdown, allowing no points to the Patriots, ending the quarter with a score of 20-12. Fourth quarter brought a defensive battle from start to finish. As Liberty Christian scrambled to reach the end zone in an attempt to tie the game with only seconds left on the clock, Linebacker Fernando Flores sacked the Patriots’ quarterback eliminating any chance of a score, and concluding the game with a score of Trojans 20 and Patriots 12. “I’m so proud of these guys,” said Johanson, “they are absolutely resilient … It’s just amazing to see these guys never give up.”
Stats
Passing:
• Avery Thompson, 2 for 10, 15 yards and 2 interceptions (INT)
Rushing:
• Bailey Cameron, 14 carries for 55 yards
• Joe Strecker, 8 carries for 19 yards
• Eduardo Escalera, 9 carries for 63 yards, 1 touchdown (TD)
• Avery Thompson, 3 carries for 25 yards
• Ramiro Lopez, 1 carry for 5 yards.
Receiving:
• Eduardo Escalera, 1 reception for 10 yards
• Fernando Flores, 1 reception for 5 yards.
Special Teams:
• Joe Strecker, 62-yard kick return for TD
Defense:
• Fernando Flores, 6 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 fumble return for TD
• Joe Strecker, 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
• Cody Amsden, 8 tackles
• Donny Vanderholm, 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss (TFL)
• Parker Schoenwald, 10 tackles, 3 TFL
• Eduardo Escalera, 9 tackles.
The Trojans will host DeSales Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. for the first round of state playoffs. “We would love a packed stadium again,” said Johanson, “our players feed off the crowd.” Manson Middle School and High School students’ admission to the Friday, Nov. 10 game is already paid for courtesy of a generous donation by England Chiropractic. All that’s required of Manson students is to bring your Trojan pride! Regular admission will be $9 for adults and $7 for students. No passes will be honored for this game as it is a district play off game.