NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTOS BY STEVE BRANT – STC senior tailback Eli Cruikshank goes into the endzone for a first quarter touchdown against Louisa-Muscatine.

The STC football team came into their contest against Louisa-Muscatine on Friday, Sept. 11, looking for a strong start. After being outscored 21-0 in the first quarter of their first two games of the season, the Trojans were looking to reverse the trend. Mission accomplished.

STC took the opening possession of the game 75 yards on 9 plays to grab a quick 7-0 lead against the Falcons. Junior Izak Schroeder, filling in for injured starting tailback Eric Medina, led the Trojans on the drive with 5 carries for 55 yards. The drive was capped off when senior tailback Eli Cruickshank glided into the end zone untouched to give STC the early lead.

After the Falcons’ offense showed some life on their first possession, they fumbled the football, which was recovered by STC junior linebacker Ethan Page on STC’s own 22 yard-line. Led by rushes from Schroeder and junior quarterback Ryan Brant, the Trojans marched the ball 78 yards to score again. Schroeder broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown run, and, after a missed point-after, the Trojans pushed the score to 13-0.

However, the Falcons fought back as the second quarter began, scoring on a 7 play, 84-yard scoring drive to cut the lead to 13-6. After holding STC to a 3-and-out on the next possession, L-M got the ball back and threatened to steal major momentum.

But Trojan senior linebacker Kyle Youngbear burst into the backfield to stuff the Falcon rusher for a loss of 3 yards and forced L-M to punt. Getting the ball right before halftime, STC crafted another scoring drive. Brant rushed for 39 yards on 4 carries on the drive, and found senior Michael Henry for a 7-yard touchdown reception. As the teams went to the locker room, the Trojans held a 20-7 halftime advantage.

STC junior quarterback Ryan Brant is taken down by Louisa-Muscatine defenders.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, as both teams were held scoreless. The Falcon’s best drive of the quarter reached the STC 30-yard line but progress was stopped when Trojan senior Manny Cervantes and junior Jonas Sheetz recorded back-to-back tackles for loss.

The fourth quarter saw wild, back-and-forth scoring by both teams. L-M scored three touchdowns in the final frame, while the Trojans saw two touchdowns from Schroeder (runs of 4 and 52 yards), and a 58-yard touchdown run from sophomore backup quarterback Jet Chyma. In the end, the Trojans beat the Falcons for the second year in a row, outlasting them by the final of 40-26.

After a tough loss in their previous game to Union, it was an important bounce-back victory for the Trojans.

“We wanted to keep up the effort in practice this last week and keep our attitudes high,” Schroeder said after the game. “We got after it this week; we were hitting and working hard.”

On the night, Schroeder ran for 198 yards and 3 touchdowns on 22 carries.

STC junior Ethan Page (20) and junior Edwyn Perez (21) celebrate Page's fumble recovery against Louisa-Muscatine.

“I knew that, with Eric (Medina) down tonight, my work load would be heavier,” Schroeder said. “But I feel like I’m made for it.”

When asked what was working well in the rushing attack, the junior speedster was quick to credit his teammates.

“(Junior fullback) Edwyn Perez is a monster when he gets on the field. He’s crazy at blocking — he hits hard,” Schroeder said.

Brant rushed for 88 yards, while going 6/11 for 87 yards and a touchdown through the air. Cruikshank chipped in 19 yards on 5 carries, and a touchdown. Youngbear led STC with 14 tackles, including 11 solo. Junior Alfredo Villa recorded an interception during the game — his second of the season.

STC (2-1) will now hit the road for the beginning of district play. The Trojans will travel to Albia on Friday, Sept. 18, to take on the Blue Demons. Albia comes into the game with a 2-1 record this season, having lost to Central Lee and recording wins over Chariton and Knoxville. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Albia High School.

STC juniors Sam Garcia (69) and Lakyr Peska (74) work on the offensive line for the Trojans against Louisa-Muscatine.

STC junior Izak Schroeder rushes for a touchdown against Louisa-Muscatine.

STC senior David King (55) and junior Ryan Brant (left) converge on the Louisa-Muscatine quarterback.