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Trojans lose heartbreaker at Fairfield

FAIRFIELD — The South Tama football team was hungry for their first win of the season when they traveled to Fairfield last Friday, Oct. 11. And on that night, they came ever-so-close before squandering a 29-13 halftime lead and falling 33-29.

The Trojans came roaring out of the gate, putting together a 10-play, 73-yard scoring drive on the opening possession. STC started junior Tanner Large at quarterback for the first time this season and moved senior co-captain Cody Blocker to running back. The move paid off immediately, with Blocker’s rushing providing a spark on the drive.

Large also connected with senior co-captain Anthony Thompson on a 22-yard pass. The drive was finished off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Large and a successful 2-point conversion to put the score at 8-0.

Fairfield answered with a lightning quick 3-play, 74-yard drive to cut the lead to 8-6. But STC responded when senior Tyrus Clegg returned the ensuing kickoff 40 yards, which set up another rushing touchdown when Blocker punched it in from seven yards out and extended the lead to 15-6. Continuing the theme of rushing success, Fairfield scored on their next possession with a 47-yard touchdown run by sophomore Zandrik Allison to put the score at 15-13.

However, before halftime, Fairfield had two more possessions, and the Trojans forced turnovers on both. Clegg snagged his third interception of the year, and senior Kinzer Jaennette recovered a fumble. Both of these turnovers led to STC touchdowns. Sophomore running back Eric Medina, who ran strong all night, scored both; the first a run of two yards and the second a three-yard run as the first-half clock expired.

This put the halftime score at 29-13, and the Trojans were 24 minutes away from their first win of the season.

But the second half saw the Fairfield defense toughen up. STC continued to find success in the running game and put together sustained drives. But they were stymied by a blocked field goal and two turnovers in the half.

Meanwhile, Fairfield scored two rushing touchdowns to cut the score to 29-26 with 9:33 left in the game. After the next Trojan drive ended with a fumble, Fairfield got the ball back at their own 34-yard line with 3:14 left. With a mix of passes and rushes, they marched the ball 66 yards and scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown to take the lead for the first time in the game. Their lead held, and STC took the difficult loss, 33-29.

For the game, the Trojans had their best offensive outing of the season, including a season high of 253 rushing yards. They were led by Blocker who carried the ball 29 times for 133 yards. Medina added 113 rushing yards on 22 carries. In addition, Large finished with 49 passing yards. On the defensive side, STC was led by junior Nick Upah with 10 tackles. Sophomore Kyle Youngbear added nine tackles.

South Tama (0-7) plays tonight, Friday, Oct. 18, at home against Benton. The varsity game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at the STC High School Stadium.