The Trojans took the field this week with out three of their top starters. Senior captain and offensive lineman, Tatum Susberry, had suffered a shoulder injury the week before and was unavailable for this weeks contest. Also two defensive starters would be forced to watch from the sidelines due to a team suspension. This made an already young Trojan team even younger as they would start 9 freshman on offense and 6 on defense. 

The game opened with the Trojans electing to receive the ball for the first time this season. Excitement built as the Trojans hoped to strike the first blow. After two unsuccessful running plays to Zach Cunningham (FR, Chicago IL) the Trojans faced a third and 9 from the 32 yard line. The Trojans would be unsuccessful in their third down attempt and would have to punt the ball away. 

After a 44 yard Josiah Schillinger (FR, Middletown, OH) punt the Cougars began their first drive on their own 26 yard line. On their first defensive possession the Trojans forced a Daniel Carter fumbled and recovered the ball on the St. Francis 20 yard line. 

The Offense would once again struggle to move the ball but after three plays the Trojans had the ball fourth and 5 on the USF 15 yard line. The Trojans sent in their field goal unit to try and take an early lead on the number four team in the nation. However, the field goal would travel wide left ending the Trojans first scoring chance. 

The missed field goal would be the only opportunity TIU would have to take the lead. On the next offensive possession pre season All American, Daniel Carter, would avenge his fumble as he lead the cougars down the field with runs of 15, 5, and the finishing TD run of 39 yards to take the early 7-0 lead. 

On their next offensive possession the Trojan offense would pick up their first first down of the day as Daniel Beals (FR, Chicago IL) found Zach Cunningham for a 6 yard gain. However that would be all the Trojans could muster as Schillinger came back out and let out another booming 39 yard punt. 

The St. Francis offense came back onto the field and marched right back down the field using their ground game. 10 plays later the Cougars would increase their lead to 14-0 on a 5 yard touchdown run. That would account for all of the scoring in the first quarter. 

As the second quarter opened Beals made a few plays with his legs but for the most part the Trojans were unable to move the ball. The Cougars on the other hand moved the ball at will in the second quarter scoring on their first four possessions. Touchdown drives of 5, 5, 4 and 2 would put the game out of reach in the second quarter. The lone Trojan highlight came as the half was winding down. The Cougars dropped back for a pass looking to tack on to their already commanding lead, however, Dominick Morales (FR, Las Vegas, NV) intercepted the pass ending what could have been yet another touchdown drive. At halftime, the Cougars had taken complete control of the game and led the Trojans 42-0.

The third quarter opened much the same as the second quarter began. The Cougars scored on their first two offensive possessions and were only slowed down by two great plays by the Trinity Special Teams. On the first punt of the half for the Trojans they forced and recovered a fumble giving the offense great field position but they were unable to convert the opportunity. On the second punt of the half the Trojans forced a second fumble and recovered it once again. This time however Beals was able to find his way into the endzone getting the Trojans on the board for the first time on the day. After three quarters of play the Trojans trailed 56-7. 

The fourth quarter would see many of both teams reserves. The Cougars would add one more touchdown but that would be it for the scoring for both teams. In the end the experience and talent level of St. Francis would too much for the young Trojans football team. However, they fought tooth and nail for all four quarters and gained the respect of their opponent. The final score was St. Francis 63 Trinity 7. 

Of Note:

Pete Miller (Sr, Chicago IL) led the Trojans on the day with 16 tackles recapturing season lead in tackles.

The Trojans next travel to Upland Indiana to take on an old rival in the Taylor Trojans. The game begins at 12:00CST.