The Tri-Center Trojans came out focused and won 47-20 in a quarterfinal match against the ACGC Chargers on Friday night. In a game riddled with turnovers and penalties, it never seemed that ACGC keep positive momentum going or stop the rushing attack of Carter Kunze as he continually kept the Chargers defense on their heels.

The first quarter started a with a mutual three and outs for both sides as it seemed that a defensive battle was in store. On Tri-Center’s following possession they diligently moved the ball down into ACGC’s 10-yard line, where they handed it off to Kunze from nine-yards out to give them a 6-0 start. The Chargers had a long response of their own chewing up six minutes of clock before a 38- yard touchdown run of their own to make it a 7-6 ACGC lead. The first quarter had one more score as time expired with a 24 yard touchdown throw from AJ Harder to Cael Witt, as the game was 12-7 with a failed two point conversion.

In the second quarter the game remained neutral as Joe Crawford took a hand off 47 yards down the middle off the field for a touchdown and giving the lead back to ACGC at 14-12. The Trojans offense seemed to still and punted the ball away to ACGC on their ensuing drive. Midway through the second Tri-Center found a break with an interception by South to Kunze turned into a pick six, with a halftime score of 20-14 at halftime.

In the third quarter the turnover troubles continued for ACGC with a fumble recovered by Tri-Center close to the Trojan redone. The Trojans then leaned on Kunze for another big play and he delivered slashing his way 24 yards down the sideline for another touchdown. The score then morphed into 26-14 in favor of the Trojans. The Chargers quickly responded a few plays later thanks to a pitch for Brexton Schneider as he outran the Tri-Center secondary for 40-yards and a touchdown. it was back to a one score game at 26-20. The Trojans would take back the momentum in the third with another deadly Kunze touchdown run, this time from 51 yards away, and through multiple Charger defenders bringing it to 33-20.

Things would slip away in the fourth quarter for ACGC as their offense saw multiple false start penalties and dropped passes. This consistently put the Chargers behind the sticks and away from their game plan. Tri-Center would capitalize with another touchdown throw from Harder to Zach Nelson at the pylon to add on to the lead at 41-20. The rest of the fourth quarter had three more turnovers for ACGC, including a Charger scoop and score as time expired with a mishandled pitch. the final score on the clock would be 47-20.

ACGC head coach Cody Matthewson noted that the four turnovers played a big part on the Chargers loss Friday night.

Coach Matthewson also gave credit to the way that Carter Kunze played scoring four total touchdowns.

Even with a loss that hurts, coach Matthewson is hopeful about next year’s group and the experience that they will bring.

ACGC’s final record with Friday’s loss, falls to 10-1 on the season.