Sophomore Michael Henry (22) looks for running room against Williamsburg. NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

The South Tama football team had their hands full on Friday night, September 27. For their fifth game of the year, the Trojans faced the Class 3A #3 ranked Williamsburg Raiders.

The Raiders got off to a fast start in the first quarter. After a touchdown drive of 65 yards to open the game, Williamsburg recovered a Trojan fumble and took it in for a scoop-and-score touchdown. This gave the Raiders a 14-0 lead in the first two and a half minutes of the game.

Williamsburg was able to add five more touchdowns in the first half, putting the halftime score at 47-0.

But the Trojans continued to fight hard in the second half. On their opening drive of the half, they put together a 5 play, 59-yard scoring drive. It was highlighted by a 42-yard run by sophomore running back Michael Henry. Following that, senior quarterback Cody Blocker scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to put the score at 47-7.

After an interception by senior Tyrus Clegg, the Trojans marched 54 yards to score again. Henry punched in an 8-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 47-14, but the Raiders were able to score on their next drive, putting the final tally at 54-14.

Sophomore Michael Henry (22) tosses a long half-back pass against Williamsburg. NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

For the game, Blocker finished 4-for-8 with 36 passing yards to go with 42 rushing yards. Henry carried the ball eight times for a game-high 54 yards.

Junior wide receiver Nick Upah led the Trojans in receptions with two for 20 yards. Sophomore Eric Medina added 27 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards. On the defensive side, STC was led by sophomore Kyle Youngbear with five tackles, followed by seniors Kinzer Jaennette and Marty Garcia with four each.

South Tama (0-5) plays next on Friday at Grinnell (4-1). The varsity game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sophomore Eli Cruikshank (40) takes down Williamsburg’s Albert Bamrick (5) with junior Wesley Hanus (56) in pursuit. NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT