PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – Sophomore quarterback Ryan Brant throws a pass for STC in the passing drills against West Marshall.

STATE CENTER — Football fans got their first look at STC’s 2025 squad on Friday night, Aug. 22, when the Trojans traveled to West Marshall to participate in the ‘Trojan Bowl’ scrimmage. Ranked in the top 15 by many outlets in class 1A going into the season, the West Marshall Trojans offered a good test for STC heading into the regular season.

The evening started with ten minutes where each team got to run through passing drills against the opponent’s defense. At the same time, both team’s offensive and defensive lines had the opportunity to run drills against each other. Following that, the teams squared off in a full scrimmage that consisted of two halves with a 20-minute continuous clock.

As the scrimmage portion of the night opened, the Trojans got the ball first. Junior Eric Medina and sophomore Izak Schroeder lined up in the backfield, as they rotated playing running back. In their first two drives, Medina found success on the ground, breaking off strong runs. Medina was the Trojan’s leading rusher and receiver last season and looks to be one of STC’s top offensive weapons this season. On defense, the Trojan’s effort was highlighted by a quarterback sack by senior defensive lineman Josh Strong.

Following the scrimmage, the teams moved to a brief time of practicing their 2-minute offenses against each other. This was followed by getting an opportunity to practice their red zone offenses. During the red zone portion, STC sophomore quarterback Ryan Brant found senior wide receiver Nick Upah on a 20-yard touchdown pass.

By the end of the night, STC had a good opportunity to practice all phases of their game against one of class 1A’s top teams. The Trojans now turn their attention to a regular season that will bring much change. The team loses both of their 2024 first team all-district selections: graduates Cody Blocker and Tyrus Clegg. Also graduated are two of the team’s three captains from last year: Blocker and Anthony Thompson. In addition, the schedule will look very different, as the Trojans are playing in both a new class (2A) and district (#7).

PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC junior Eric Medina is brought down by three West Marshall defenders. Medina is the leading returning rusher for the Trojans.

But the team returns second team all-districts selections in senior Tanner Large, junior Kyle Youngbear (last year’s leading tackler), and Medina. They also return all-district honorable mention recipients in: Upah and senior Marcus Bear. The team has named Upah, Youngbear, junior Manny Cervantes, and senior Wes Hanus as captains for this season.

The STC Trojans will open their season at home on Friday night, Aug. 29, where they will square off against Vinton-Shellsburg. It will be a matchup against two football programs who are hungry for a win. STC’s last victory came on September 2, 2022 (53-0 vs. Saydel) — a losing streak of nearly three calendar years. Vinton-Shellsburg’s streak is almost exactly the same. Their last victory came on Sept. 23, 2022 (41-0 vs. Maquoketa). The varsity matchup will start at approximately 7:30 p.m. at the STC High School football field.

PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC's defense lines up against West Marshall during the 'Trojan Bowl' scrimmage on August 22.

PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – Trojan defenders (L to R) Natayvious Sanders, Marcus Bear, Ethan Page, and Tanner Large bring down a West Marshall receiver.

PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – Trojan senior and co-captain Nick Upah makes a tackle against West Marshall at the 'Trojan Bowl' scrimmage on Aug. 22.