11/30/09

The end of the football season is almost always disappointing, mainly because it more than likely because it ends with a loss.  Only those that win a state title and the team that doesn't make the playoffs but wins their regular season finale have a different experience.  To me, it's like the old saying "better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."  I'd much rather my team get to the playoffs and have a chance to advance and keep on playing. 

As to the loss against Selinsgrove, I honestly think that game was won, or lost if you're the Trojans, in the weight room in the offseason.  One look at that Iron Seals page on the Selinsgrove website tells that story.  There were many plays that looked like the Trojans could stop them for a short gain or loss that broke free.  Arm tackles just won't bring that bevy of running backs down, that's for sure. 

Defensively, the Seals had a closing speed that I totally underestimated.  There were plays that looked like we could really break them, that looked open, that the Seals shut down for little or no gain.  When their five LBs dropped back into coverage, it seemed like every pass play deep was thrown into triple and quadruple coverage.  It seemed like there was very little in the Trojans' arsenal that the Seals could not stop. 

I was mildly disappointed that the Trojans' offense was unable to get into the endzone, but in every gray cloud there is a silver lining.  What a hell of a time for Oskar Almgren to have to attempt his maiden field goal of the season.  However, in a cold, snowy, swirling wind, he booted a 30-yard field goal, which ultimately kept the Trojans from being shut out.  This was, I believe, the first successful Trojans field goal since Arturo Vega booted two in a playoff game against Brownsville in 1990.

In wrapping this final MMR up, I'm not going to lament on what could have been.  I left the game feeling sort of like I felt when I left the GIANT Center after JHS lost to Steelton-Highspire in the 2005 after the Class AAA boys' basketball final.  Sure, the better team won.  Yes, it was disappointing to lose, but the team gave the best effort they could have.

I don't want to get all morale victory here.  I've been as critical as the next person with the all the "icing on the cake" and "gravy" comments that have been made in the past.  I don't want to make it sound like good is good enough and that I think just getting to this game was enough of a prize.  I'm just saying that sometimes you have to give proper respect to your opponent and concede that they were the better team.  You can also learn from them as far as what it takes to get your own program to the next level. 

As for the 2010 Trojans, it appears that a lot of guys are going to have to step up because the team is losing a lot of depth at the skill positions due to graduation.  Gervon Simon and Calvin Anderson will be back but gone are Richard Agurs, Ryan Sisco, LaQuinn Stephens-Howling, Jordan Jefferson, Kashmir Pretlor, Quatrell Rose and John Siciliano.  It looks like a lot of guys that played more JV this year and have limited varsity experience will be asked to step up. 

But to one last time reflect on this season, the team won only their second District 6-AAA title in school history and only the fourth district title in school history (previous WPIAL titles in 1941 and 1958).  Two of the three teams that the Trojans suffered regular season losses to are both still alive and undefeated, having won district titles of their own (see below).  Not only that, the Trojans held (and I use that word loosely) the Seals to just one point higher than their season low of 34 points scored.  I really think the Trojans gave the Seals all the game they could have.  Yes, a few things here or there might have made a small difference, but I don't think they would have changed the outcome of the game.  I'm extremely proud of the effort of this team this year.  They finished the season strong after overcoming some adversity, mainly in the timeframe following the loss to Richland. 


Now, we'll look at the rest of the LHAC teams still alive, recapping their games:

Forest Hills 17, Tyrone 14
Patrick Donoughe kicked a 27-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give the Rangers a dramatic victory and district title.  He made amends for a missed 23-yarder earlier in the evening.  Nick Dudukovich rushed for 235 yards on 29 carries and Jeff Maier had 103 yards on 22 carries. 

Bishop McCort 34, Bellwood-Antis 20
The Crushers' defense was opportunistic, picking up two key B-A fumbles late in the game while Josh Seidel rushed for 208 yards on 30 carries.  It is the Crushers' fourth straight district title and back-to-back Class A titles.

Bedford 28, Karns City 26 (3OT)
The Bisons have me eating crow big time.  When I saw this team earlier this season, if you'd have told me they'd be alive and playing football in December, I'd have told you you were crazy!  They outlast the District 9 champs in triple overtime and advance to the quarterfinal round. 




Since there will be no Scouting Report this week, I'll give a quick capsule of each of the games of the remaining LHAC teams:


Bishop McCort (12-0) vs. Millersburg (10-3), Hersheypark Stadium, Saturday, noon
I think the Crushers keep it going and advance to the state semifinal round.

Greensburg Central Catholic (11-2) vs. Bedford (7-6), Windber Stadium, Friday, 7pm
Although the Bisons have nearly a home game, and I admitted to eating crow on this team already, I see GCC winning big.  The Centurions had their way with a really tough Aliquippa squad at Heinz Field a week ago. 

Wilmington (12-1) vs. Forest Hills (13-0), IUP, Friday 7pm
Big test for the Rangers but I think Don Bailey's club prevails.  The stout FH defense combined with their rushing attack, led by Nick Dudukovich, will keep them undefeated and one step closer to a state title.


I'd also like to do one last Bullet Points update since this will be the last feature on the site for football season.

*****LaRod Stephens-Howling:  The Cards lost to the Titans 20-17.  LaRod had four kickoff returns for 167 yards including a 99-yard touchdown.  He also had one tackle and downed two punts inside the 5.  The Cards host Minnesota on Sunday Night Football this week.

*****Antwuan Reed:  Reed played but did not record any stats in the Panthers' 19-16 loss to WVU.  They host Cincinnati this Saturday.

*****Mike Kush:  Kush did not play in the Vulcans' 57-35 playoff victory over West Liberty.  This week, Cal U will play Northwest Missouri State in a semifinal Division II playoff game.

*****David Istanich:  The Golden Panthers were off this past week but wrap up their season with a home game with Florida Atlantic on Saturday.



As far as winter sports, I'm not going to do a weekly roundup, but I'll try my best to keep the winter schedules up to date, perhaps on a weekly basis.  I've posted the schedules that I'll be updating here.


That's all for now as another Trojan football season is in the books (six years of coverage for Trojan Nation in the books as well).  Thanks to everyone involved in the program for another fun season.  
  

 

Trojan Nation 2009