Trojan defense leads the way to homecoming win

The defense for the Trojan football team had looked good through two games this year, but on Saturday they turned in one of the greatest performances in school history, and led DSU to a 16-6 homecoming win over Jamestown. The defense did all the scoring for the Trojans, as they picked up their 3rd win to start the year. 

The first defensive score came with just seconds to go in the opening quarter, when Kaden Eng picked up a fumbled by Nick Marinez, and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown. The extra point from Carson Sauseda put the Trojans up 7-0. 

DSU recovered another fumble in the second quarter, this time recovered by Deveon Moses, but was unable to score as they turned the ball over on downs. Late in the 2nd quarter the Jimmies drove inside the Trojan 10 yard line, but Moses intercepted a pass in the endzone to preserve the 7-0 lead. 

Playing with backup quarterback Joseph Cole, the Trojans were unable to mount much offense in the game. Cole was forced into action after starter Trey Hettick was injured in the 1st half. That meant that it was the defense that would be forced to win the game. The Trojans stopped the Jimmies three straight times at the 1 yard line in the 3rd quarter to force a turnover on downs, and took the 7-0 lead into the 4th, where Jamestown finally got on the board.  

After an interception thrown by Cole, the Jimmies got an 8 yard TD pass from John Grann to Ethan Hoffman.  But the ensuing PAT was blocked by Caleb Dwyer, and returned 97 yards to the endzone by Kaden Eng, to give DSU two points and make the score 9-6. 

With 3:12 to go in the game, Moses again intercepted a pass and this time returned it 60 yards for a touchdown to seal the 16-6 win. 

The Trojans have started a season 3-0 for the first time since 1993, and are 1-0 in NSAA conference play. DSU will travel to Valley City North Dakota on Saturday to take on the Vikings of Valley City State. That game begins at 4pm on Jammin’ Country 103.1 FM.