South Tama’s Mario Moncada crosses into the endzone for a touchdown on Friday, September 8. The Trojans defeated Charles City 29-20. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

D-E-T-E-R-M-I-N-A-T-I-O-N, determination, determination to win. It’s a cheer that can be heard chanted by the STC Cheerleaders. It’s also the mindset the Trojans had Friday night on the gridiron. Sheer determination, a lot of heart and of course some raw talent was the recipe for South Tama’s 29-20 victory over Charles City on Friday, September 8.

Last season the two teams went head to head in what ended in a one point, overtime victory for the Comets. The teams were tied 21-21 going into overtime. Charles City scored first and it was former STC senior quarterback Clayton Rosenberger connecting with (then junior) Brady Fritz for pass in the endzone to give the Trojans an opportunity to tie the game again. Unfortunately for the Trojans, a low snap on the PAT forced Rosenberger (the PAT place holder) to scramble and make a last second throw. The rushed pass fell incomplete and the Trojans found themselves on the wrong end of a one point, 27-28 overtime finish.

Now it’s a year later. The Trojans have taken their share of hits on and off the field this season. The latest unfortunate event was an injury sustained by lineman Gabe Backen that sidelined him for the entire game. But as the game went on it became evident that the Trojans were not going to give up.

The night began rather unproductive for the Trojans as quarterback Lane Koch was forced to deal with constant pressure from the Charles City defensive front. Koch and the Trojans struggled to find anything that would really work offensively. Defensively the Trojans were struggling too. The Comets were able to get on the board in the first quarter with a pass from quarterback, Mike Cranshaw to Dylan Koresh.

With halftime approaching, it was becoming clear that Charles City had this in the bag. But that all shifted when Koch connected with senior wideout Nick Ryan for a beautiful pass and touchdown. Joel Medina kicked the extra point and just like that the Trojans had tied it up with the Comets. The play also shifted the momentum toward South Tama.

STC’s Colin Price sacks Charles City quarterback in the endzone for an STC safety on Friday, Sept. 8 News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

On their next possession the pressure was starting to get to the Comets as they committed their fourth penalty and coughed up a turnover with an interception by STC’s Brady Fritz. The Trojans were able to run the clock out in the half but were unsuccessful in capitalizing on the turnover. At half the teams were locked in at 7-7.

South Tama started the second half on offense. Coming out of halftime STC made some adjustments. They pulled Mario Moncada off the line and slotted him in as the fullback in the Trojans Power I formation. STC marched up the field with a combination of carries between Colton Vest and Tanner Walz. They weren’t able to convert however and were forced into a field goal attempt. The attempt by Medina was blocked by the Comets.

The Comets fumbled on their next possession which was recovered by Brendan Patro. The turnover gave the Trojans great field advantage. It was Moncada who found the end zone putting the Trojans up 13-7.

Things were looking good for the Trojans going into what would be a wild fourth quarter. The quarter began deep in STC territory with the Comets threatening. A very timely fumble would stop the Comets in their pursuit. Back to back turnovers by the Trojans led to two touchdowns for the Comets putting them ahead 20-13. The 13-point swing proved that football is truly a game of momentum. And that momentum would again shift back to the Trojans.

With just under 10 minutes to play the Trojans managed to re-group. Moncada would again find the end zone for his second touchdown of the night. Vest, who had gone to the sideline right before the Trojans scored with what appeared to be a cramp came back in to kick a flawless extra point. The PAT tied up the game at 20-20 and the teams once again found themselves tied up late in the fourth quarter.

STC’s Nick Ryan catches a pass from qb Lane Koch to advance the Trojans down-field during Friday’s District matchup with Charles City. STC bested the Comets 29-20. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

But the Trojans would not have a repeat of the 2016 overtime game. The two teams swapped possessions. The Trojans had yet another turnover near the Charles City end zone. So, the Comets yet again took over on offense. Field position was not however in their favor. STC’s Colin Price knew this a barreled into the end zone to sack Cranshaw for a safety. This put the Trojans up 22-20 and gave STC the ball.

Not satisfied with their narrow lead, STC’s Colton Vest was finally able to break free and scored a rushing touchdown to secure the Trojans 29-20 victory. The Comets had under a minute to try and make something happen but STC’s defense held strong. It was a thrilling win for a team that proved they should not be counted out.

STC STATS

Passing: Lane Koch 4-14 for 133 yards

Rushing: Colton Vest 18-87, Tanner Walz 20-54, Mario Moncada 4-20, Jesus Wanatee-Romero 1- -3, Lane Koch 5- -40

Receiving: Nick Ryan 2-125, Colton Vest 2-8

Scoring: Mario Moncada 12, Colton Vest 8, Nick Ryan 6, Joel Medina 1

Tackles: Colton Vest 8, Mario Moncada 7, Colin Price 6, Tanner Walz 6, Brady Fritz 5, Nick Ryan 4, Garrett Arp 3, Josh Thiessen 3, Jesus Wanatee-Romero 2, Lane Koch 2, Aaron Adams 1, Cole Savage 1

Interceptions: Brady Fritz 1

Fumble Recoveries: Mario Moncada 2, Brendan Patro 1, Josh Thiessen 1, Tanner Walz 1

PAT Kicking: Joel Medina 1-2

Colton Vest: 2-2

Kick Offs: Joel Medina 5-216

Punting: Nick Ryan 5-188

Kick Off Returns: Brady Fritz 1-25, Colin Price 2-36, Colton Vest 1-13

Punt Returns: Brady Fritz 1-8