Girard wins in thriller

Senior Gage Chiartano checks to see if he’s on the line, as him and the offense get set to attack against the Columbus Titans as Girard ended up prevailing 16-23, Friday.

By: Aaron Pyle

The Girard Trojans met up with the Columbus Titans Friday, September 14, at Frank Jameson in a CNC showdown. This game marked the inaugural first varsity football game on the new turf field.

Girard came into the matchup coming off a loss to reigning CNC champions Galena. But the Trojans put on a show against Columbus.

Girard’s defensive effort came up huge for the Trojans as there were four different players with an interception; Curran, Lallemand, Troike, and McReynolds.

The Trojans put the first points up on the board in the second quarter as senior Evan Troike caught a long bomb pass from senior Ty Norris. This reception then led to senior Kreed Curran running it in making the score 7-0. Columbus then answered back on the next drive making a two-point conversion as they led the Trojans 8-7 at the half.

In the third, Girard’s defense blocked a punt giving the team great field positioning. This then led to quarterback Ty Norris running it in the end-zone making the score 15-8.

In the fourth quarter, both teams went back and forth. Columbus answered back later on in the fourth and converted their two points bringing their lead to 16-15 with a little over a minute left. But the Trojans came in the clutch when they needed it most as quarterback Ty Norris hit Evan Troike right in the hands for a touchdown putting the Trojans ahead 23-16 with 30 seconds left. Columbus then couldn’t get past the Girard defense as the Trojans went on to improve to 2-1 defeating Columbus 23-16.

Coach Philpot commented on his team prevailing through adversity saying, “for our guys to do it that way…it’s a big win, a very big team win.”

The Trojans next matchup will be Friday, September 21, at Burlington in a non-conference matchup.