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STC defeats A-P, secures Class 2A District 6 Championship

South Tama’s defense was put to the test on Friday, October 23 but came out well ahead. The Trojans defeated Aplington-Parkersburg 23-12 to secure the Class 2A District 6 Championship. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

Head Coach Jay Hoskey told his Trojans in the post game huddle that some football games are more like a battle. That’s exactly what it was like on Friday night between the South Tama Trojans and the Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons on Friday night. Two of the top teams in Class 2A fought it out for the District 6 Championship. It was some of the best high school football all season as the fast paced Falcons offense came up against a very dominant Trojan defense. Something had to give. Fortunately for the Trojans the Falcons gave way in a 23-12 South Tama victory.

After watching Friday’s performance you really can’t say enough about this Trojan defense. They fought hard. The Falcons ran a wing T, hurry-up style of offense that looked to disorient the Trojan’s defense. The style has proved effective for the Falcons this season as it’s hard to read their formation or discern who is actually carrying the ball. In the first quarter alone AP had possession for seven minutes running 16 plays versus the Trojans four. The Trojans were able to stave off a touchdown but AP got ahead early in the game with a field goal.

“I thought our guys were consistent. We played tough defense. This is the toughest team we have played and the best challenge we have had all year,” said coach Jay Hoskey.

Running back Jerry Lowe was able to reach the end zone early in the second quarter for a 6 yard touchdown. He also broke free in the third quarter for a 50-yard touchdown tallying 133 yards for the night.

The Trojans were on defense for roughly seven minutes of the second quarter as well. During those minutes the Falcons led by running backs Tyler Duster and Isaac Ubben scored the first touchdown of the season against the Trojans first string defense. Duster ended the night with 66 yards while Ubben led with 92.

South Tama kicker Nathan Weiss nails a 34 yard field goal to close out the first half with a 17-10 Trojan lead at Aplington-Parkersburg on Friday, Oct. 23. The Trojans defeated the Falcons 23-12. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

Upon getting the ball back the Trojans answered back in a big way. Kolbie Clark was set back deep to receive the kickoff. Before everyone’s watchful eyes he dodged, weaved and avoided tackles all the way down the field for an 89-yard touchdown return! It was a major turning point in the game as it put the Trojans ahead 14-10.

The Trojans looked to kicker Nathan Weiss to put his leg to work for a field goal late in the second quarter. Weiss booted a 34 yard field goal to put the Trojans up 17-10 right before the half.

Friday would also be senior quarterback Darius Lasley-Shields’ first start under center after Clayton Rosenberger suffered a broken collar bone during a play against East Marshall just last week. Lasley-Shields split time with Rosenberger last season as they both took snaps for the STC JV team. He has served the team in many other capacities throughout this season including punting, receiving, and in the defensive backfield. While the Trojans stuck to their running game Lasley-Shields did open up once and connected with Clark for a deep pass along the sideline.

“It wasn’t our best game from an offensive standpoint. We probably had more miscues than we’ve had in a while but those things tend to happen in tough games where you are pushing yourself and the other team is pushing you. Overall Darius did a good job and made a heck of a throw to Kolbie. That was a good momentum swing for us,” said Hoskey.

A dense fog set heavy onto the field in the second half making visibility difficult. It wasn’t a pretty game by any means. Both teams had turnovers. In the second half AP began to falter under the intensity of the Trojans defense. They made some costly errors, which resulted in penalties. It turned into a wild game as both teams fought to stay alive. Cody Kellogg grabbed his sixth interception of the season in the fourth quarter just when the Trojans needed it. The Trojans failed to capitalize on the turnover, as the offense would fumble just a few plays later. Late in the fourth quarter the Falcons added a safety to their score from a punt that flew over Lasley-Shields’ head with the team backed up against their own end zone. It worked in the Trojans advantage however as they got to kickoff and force the Falcons further down the field.

Kolbie Clark breaks free for an 89 yard touchdown return in the second quarter of the final regular season game of the year. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

“Coach (Mike) Stein was actually telling Coach (Ahrens) that maybe we should get a safety so I was just reading minds,” joked full back Peyton Rutledge.

With just under two minutes to play the Falcons went for a fourth and 8 but quarterback Cade Alberts was sacked by Justin Suchanek to put an end to any chance at a comeback.

It was one of those games that truly wasn’t over until it was over. In the hard fought battle the Trojans walked away with their white jerseys a hazy shad of brown with grass stains and with their heads held high knowing they earned all of those stains to secure the District Championship.

For fullback Peyton Rutledge this is a goal he has worked towards his entire high school career. He is rightfully proud of the group of boys he calls his family. “I feel amazing,” said Rutledge, “It’s the best feeling of my life, being the best in the district and one of the best teams in 2A. I’m glad me, and my brothers, my family can come together and win this one.”

What’s next for this Trojan team? For Hoskey who had quite an exciting day it’s almost like they are entering into a second season. The STC head coach also welcomed a new grandson earlier on Friday morning and got the District 6 Championship to end out his day.

“We got a T.D. this morning. My grandson is Tobias Donald so he’s a T.D. and we got enough TDs to win this game,” joked Hoskey.

The Trojans face Kuemper Catholic, Carroll (3-6) tonight in the first round of playoffs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Trojan Field.