Tri County was able to capitalize on turnovers and tackle well Aug. 30, and that helped lead to a 34-22 victory over Johnson County Central to start the season.
The Trojans are back in the ranks of 8-man football this season. Coach Brett Scheiding said the line did a good job against JCC’s size up front.
“They played aggressive and under control,” he said.
Tri County scored twice in the first quarter on a two-yard run by Pierce Damrow and a 21-yard pass from Cole Spahr to Jason Wehrman. The Trojans added 14 more points in the second quarter thanks to a 26-yard Spahr sprint and a 76-yard kickoff return by Ben Holsing, the second of his career, Scheiding said.
JCC got its offense clicking in the second quarter, cutting the Trojans’ lead to 26-24 at halftime.
Tri County scored on a 40-yard run by Spahr in the third quarter to push the lead back to 12 points. That was the last scoring of the game.
Scheiding said Spahr played well in his first game as the starting quarterback. Keyton Reck and Damrow also had good games, and Scheiding said Damrow was especially effective up the middle.
Spahr finished with 183 yards rushing on 23 carries and completed three of six passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. Reck added 74 yards on seven carries.
On defense, the Trojans saw lots of players step up, the coach said. Cooper Stokebrand finished with six solo tackles and six assists, including a couple sacks. Ibrahim Castillo had a good game, as well, as did Kenton Sowards, Scheiding said.
Up next for TC is a trip to Freeman Friday, Sept. 6. The Falcons lost to Shelby-Rising City 66-24 in their opener.
“They have good size up front and athletic kids,” Scheiding said. “They continue to be physical. They’re used to success.”
