The Tri-Center Trojans will be making their first ever state title appearance next week after a 42-14 victory against the Saint Ansgar Saints on Thursday afternoon. In the first quarter the Trojans had a slow start with their running game not quite clicking, so Tri-Center looked to A.J. Harder to spark the offense and he did just that. Close to midway through the first Harder found Cael Witts for a 31-yard touchdown throw down the middle of the field to give the Trojans an early 7-0 lead. The Saints would quickly respond out of the wishbone with a Korben Michels three yard touchdown run and successful two-point conversion for the lead to swing back to Saint Ansgar at 8-7.

The second quarter saw both defenses step up as the offensive momentum slipped on both sides. Carter Kunze was finally able to get a score thanks to a long methodical drive by Tri-Center that resulted in him taking a three-yard carry into the end zone through multiple Saints defenders. The Trojans went for a two-point conversion but had their pass batted down. That would leave the score 13-8 as both teams headed into halftime.

In the third quarter Tri-Center seemed to have their mojo back with multiple explosive runs by Kunze and dynamic throws by Harder to set them up inside Saint Ansgar’s redzone. There Kunze had another handoff where he sliced his way for 13-yards and another touchdown. Kunze’s work wouldn’t end in the third quarter thanks to the Trojans defense forcing another punt and giving Tri-Center excellent field position to work with. Once again the Trojans couldn’t be stopped and Kunze pushed his way into the end zone for another score before the end of the third. Tri-Center now led 28-8.

Saint Ansgar would try to make a comeback in the fourth with the wishbone offense seeming to work again thanks to the hard running by Korben Michels and Tyson Kline. The Saints drive would result in a one yard touchdown from Michels to cut into the lead making it 28-14. Tri-Center would not relinquish for the remainder of the quarter putting two more touchdowns on the board to have a final score of 42-14.

The Trojans had a massive night from Harder going 17-24 with 284 yards and two touchdowns. He was accompanied by Kunze who dashed his way for 195 yards and four touchdowns contributing to a rushing attack that accumulated 286 yards, Trojans head coach Ryan Schroder was pleased with the way his team came to play, even with a sluggish start.

Coach Schroder also highlighted his team’s offensive barrage and the way they effectively ran the ball.

Tri-Center didn’t take much time celebrating their semifinal win as they immediately focused on next Thursday’s battle.

The Trojans will face off against an undefeated West Hancock team that won 50-35 earlier Thursday afternoon. It’s a contest that coach Schroder won’t take lightly.

Kickoff for the Class A Championship is scheduled for 1 p.m. next Thursday.