This clash had many distractions leading up to it for both teams, so mental toughness was needed for them to put on their best performance. Craik Park was damp from the earlier down fall, but the night remained clear of any precipitation for the entirety of the game.
Panthers returned the opening kick-off to mid field but the Trojans’ defence held them to minimal gain on the drive, managing to force a turnover on downs. Trojans took over but went three and out.
After a good punt, the Trojans’ defence took the field. Good pressure from Mark Lelua resulted in an interception for Jarrad Clarke which he promptly took approximately 40 yards to pay dirt. PAT kick was missed making the score 6-0 Trojans’ way.
The ensuing Panthers’ drive was Deja Vu, this time Jarrad taking an interception 70 yards for the touchdown. The 2 point play was good. Taking the score to 14-0 in favour of the Trojans.
Panthers get into gear and cap off a long drive with a touchdown on the ground. Two point conversion was no good bringing the score to 14-6.
The excitement was short lived for the Panthers, as Kris Gacuma took the ensuing kick-off 70 yards for the score giving the Trojans a two touchdown buffer at 20-6
The next offensive drive from the Panthers saw them quickly get into the Trojans’ red zone but the Trojans’ defence were to have none of that and held them on a 4th down pass play getting the ball back for the offence. Trojans get the ball for only the second time in the game and again they fail to get a first down and punt it away. With seconds left in the half, the Panthers try a deep pass play but good pressure from Siale Langi and Jason Lelua on the Panthers’ quarterback helped Jarrad Clarke to his third interception, ending the half.
Trojans start the second half with the ball. First play was a nice pass down the middle for Jaidyn Williams that would have been a big play, but what looked like pass interference negated that. It must be noted the officials were working with only a 3 man crew and did a great job in the circumstances. The drive resulted in a punt for the Trojans. The offence was really struggling to get any momentum at all at this point.
Another turnover on downs was forced by the Trojans’ defence giving the Trojans field position inside the Panthers’ half of the field; best field position all game for the Trojans. On fourth and one, linebacker Nathan Reeves took a simple dive play all the way to the endzone, showing the offence how to do it. Two point attempt failed. Interestingly, the Trojans did not gain a first down on the drive. The next drive for the Panthers sees a well designed pass play look to go all the way for them, but a touchdown saving tackle from Jarrad Clarke at the Trojans’ twenty yard line gave the defence another chance. But it was a touchdown that the Panthers were determined to score and they did with a short, battering run at the goaline. The Trojans’ defence made a great stand on the two point run play, preventing any further scoring.
Not to be out done, Kris Gacuma returned the ensuing kick-off 60 yards for a score. He’s second kick return touchdown of the game. This ended the scoring for the night, with the final, Trojans 32, Panthers 12.
The Trojans did well in two of the three areas of the sport, namely, defence and special teams, but struggled terribly on offence. In fact the Trojans never got a first down the entire game, something that is very rarely seen. The Trojans can enjoy the win with many injuries during the game resulting in players learning new positions on the run, but the Trojans’ offence needs to start showing up for the team to continue with any further success.
