Atlantic spoils Knoxville Homecoming

September 23rd, 2023 by Asa Lucas

(Knoxville) — It was an old fashion football victory for Atlantic against Knoxville. The focus of the Trojan offense was limit turnovers, control possession of the ball, and take time off the clock. Those ingredients would lead to a 20-17 win over Knoxville at Ken Locke Stadium during homecoming.

The first score of the game was a 20 yard chip shot from Connor Willis, after a goal line stand starting on the Trojan one. Panthers led 3-0 in the first quarter. The Trojans would then attempt a fake punt that was stopped and the Panthers drove again down the field. This time on the field goal attempt the snap was low and fumbled. Atlantic would then set up in the I-Formation for the majority of the night and continue to slowly drive the ball down the field. The Trojans then managed to score a 5-yard score from Dante Hedrington. The game turned into 6-3.

Late in the second quarter the Knoxville offense woke up and scored on a touchdown throw to make the game 10-6. Atlantic had under two minutes to drive, but Zayden Parker connected with Jarrett Hansen for over 40 yards on a touchdown throw. Atlantic had the lead 12-10 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter the I-Formation continued to dominate for Atlantic and it allowed Colton Rasmussen to go deep for a 35 yard touchdown reception along the sideline to make the game 20-10. When the fourth quarter arrived the Panthers pieced together a key drive enabling a touchdown. The game was 20-17 Atlantic. The Trojans got the ball back was less than 5 minutes to go late in the fourth and methodically drained the clock. Parker’s last snap was in the victory formation and Atlantic started their district campaign with a victory.

Atlantic Head Coach Joe Brummer noted the positivity his team had for winning a homecoming game.