On Friday, August 26, the Atlantic football team defeated the Clarinda Cardinals for their first game of the season. The Trojans took a lead during the first half, and were able to keep fighting throughout the rest of the game to earn their victory 16-14.

In the beginning of the first quarter, the Trojans and the Cardinals fought back and forth holding each other at 0-0.

By the end of the first quarter Gratt Reed caught a 25 yard pass to score the first touchdown of the season.

Reed said, “It felt great scoring the first touchdown of the season. The team formed well most of the time, we still have a lot to work on, but I think we are going to have a great season.”

Not long after, quarterback Garrett Franken was able to score the second touchdown from the 2 yard line. The Trojans then led the Cardinals 13-0.

With the clock winding down in the first half, and the Cardinals reaching their end of the field, safety Chase Mullenix intercepted the ball, stopping the Cardinals from scoring in the first half.

Running back Jaxson Eden led the team with 66 yards on 13 carries in the first half.

After halftime, the Cardinals were able to score on the Trojans, closing the lead to just one touchdown.

By the end of the third quarter the Cardinals scored another touchdown, and went for the 2 point conversion, leading the Trojans 14-13.

With just 48 seconds left of the game, the Trojans were sitting at the 26 yard line on fourth down. Senior Eric Weiser was put in to kick the game winning field goal, ending the game 16-14.

Weiser said, “Being my first ever high school football game, it couldn’t of gone any better. It felt good kicking the field goal, I wasn’t nervous because I knew it was a kick I could make every time.”

Head coach Mike McDermott said, “It was an outstanding effort by our football team. It was a great first game, we are happy for our players and appreciate the fans, however it’s just one game and we need to quickly move forward if we want more success.”

The Trojans next game is this Friday, Sept. 2, against Shenandoah.