The Atlantic Trojans football team fell short against the Winterset Huskies losing 21-7 on the road. The matchup between these two focused heavily on the run game and with how quickly time went by in the first quarter it showed. On the Trojans opening drive senior quarterback Tristan Hayes threw an interception down on the goal line to give the ball to the Huskies as they started on their own two. Atlantic did force a punt getting the ball back but would end up stalling on their drive as they headed into the second the quarter tied at 0-0.
As each team committed to the run game, the clock continually dwindled until a wild snap over the head of Hayes forced the Trojan quarterback to fall on the ball back near midfield on a crucial third down and thirteen. That mistake did set up a drive for Winterset which they would get their first score on the evening from a twenty-yard dart throw from senior quarterback Hunter Lyon to his tight end Jadyn Cooper in the middle of the endzone to make it a 7-0 score heading into half. The third quarter brought more excitement as Atlantic’s defensive back senior Jarrett Hansen snagged an interception out of the air midway through the third quarter to give the Trojans the ball at their own 35-yard line.
Even with the interception Atlantic’s offense still seemed to be stuck and gave the ball back to the Huskies that used their next drive to score with another touchdown throw from Lyon to his wide receiver Conner Vaughn from 22 yards out. The ball game changed into a 14-0 lead for Winterset and the home fans took notice. Atlantic did have a response of their own creating a drive which developed a 57-yard touchdown run for junior tight end Brock Goodrich helping Atlantic stay in the game at 14-7. When the Huskies received the ball back in the fourth quarter, they took their time moving down the field continually pounding their run game and gaining first downs. Eventually on a second and goal senior running back Hank Wilmes took a handoff from the nine-yard line zig zagging his way into the end zone. Winterset gave themself another 14-point cushion with a score of 21-7.
The Trojans offense did their best looking to Gavin McLaren for success in the run game but due to a few unfortunate penalties Atlantic was forced to punt towards the end of the fourth quarter. There was a spark of hope with three minutes left in the game as the Trojans forced a turnover inside Winterset territory. The new drive would gain a first down but then end with Hayes scrambling towards the first down marker but being tackled well short. With the turnover on downs, the Huskies took the victory formation and kneeled until the clock expired.
Atlantic head coach Joe Brummer noted that the run game for Atlantic was efficient, but costly penalties made the difference on Friday night.
Another component of the Trojans defeat was the issue of turnovers and how the passing game could never get settled.
In order to improve for next week coach Brummer hopes his players will keep their heads high and get ready to go back to work.
The loss gives Atlantic a 4-1 record and they return home to face Knoxville next Friday. Winterset improves to 3-1 with the win and stay at home next Friday to take on Norwalk.
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