South Tama County Quarterback Daniel Wiese drops back to pass during Friday night’s season opener against Roland-Story. The Norsemen defeated the Trojans 40-0. PHOTO BY JAMES BRANT

The South Tama County Trojans geared up Friday night to take on the Roland-Story Norsemen in both teams’ season opener. Excitement surrounded the Trojans’ home field as both players and fans watched the 2023 season kickoff.

Right out of the gate, the Norseman established their strong defensive presence against the Trojans, stopping multiple runs by senior running back Gavin Bridgewater to start off the first quarter Trojan offensive drives.

Likewise on the offensive side of the ball, the Norseman got off to a hot start. On their first drive, they stormed their way down the field ending with a 6-yard touchdown run by senior Hesston Johnson. Then on the next drive Johnson breaks free again, this time for a 30-yard touchdown run setting the score at 13-0 Norseman at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Norseman continued their success on offense with two explosive touchdown runs by Johnson and junior Jake Berggren extending their lead to 26-0.

Meanwhile the Trojans offensive drives started to improve, as senior quarterback Daniel Wiese got into a groove completing passes to receivers Chase Gustafson and Anthony Thompson.

STC players walk off the field after Friday night’s season-opening loss to Roland-Story. The Trojans hit the road to face Charles City this Friday. PHOTO BY JAMES BRANT

The STC defense also had a good showing to end the second quarter, as Wiese intercepted Norseman quarterback Sam Knoll in the red zone to give the Trojans some much needed momentum going into the second half of the game.

South Tama came out of the locker room with a new found fire as they carried on the momentum into the third quarter. It was the Trojans’ turn to display their strong and aggressive defense as they halted Roland Story’s offense to 0 points in the third quarter.

The defense’s success continued as senior Wyatt Surman recovered a fumble on the Norseman’s first drive to start the fourth and final quarter of the game.

Unfortunately, the Trojan offense couldn’t capitalize on the turnover as the Norseman defense flexed their muscles again stopping STC and getting the ball back on downs.

Eventually, the Norseman offense got back on track as Knoll threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jonovan Wilkinson putting an end to the Trojans impressive defensive showing.

To end the game, Roland Story running back Jake Berggren took a 22-yard run to the house putting the final score at 40-0 as the Norseman got their first victory, putting the Trojans at 0-1 to start off the new season.

After the game, Wiese focused on the positives and remained optimistic going into the future games.

“We have a good team and a good group of guys,” Wiese said. “I think we showed big improvements in the second half that we can carry on into the next one. I think the next game is very winnable, and I’m excited to see what we can do if we play to our full potential.”

Wiese finished the game 3-of-9 passing with 21 yards, and Bridgewater was STC’s leading rusher and receiver with 10 carries for 52 yards and two catches for 14 yards. The senior standout also anchored the defense with 16.5 total tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss.

South Tama plays next Friday in Charles City as they look to bounce back from a tough opening loss.