“It was an odd start with the lightning delay, game start time was probably around 8:00 pm,” reported Head Coach Bryan Strand of the Trojans.  “I felt even with all that going on the kids came out and finally started a game off right, even though we didn't score on our first drive.  From that point out we moved the ball very effectively up and down the field.  I felt our line blocked extremely well and the backs really ran well.  Our biggest problem right now is that we have so many good backs and only one football to hand it off to.  We averaged over 12 yards a carry for the night, something to be very proud of as that means everyone is doing their job!  For the season we are averaging over 9 yards per carry, with 3 different guys averaging over 10 yards per carry.  Suppose it's a good problem to have but all of them are doing fantastic as is the line.” 

The Trojans jumped out to a 21-0 first quarter lead on a 3-yard run by Cameron Heng, a pair of TD runs by Adam Tonsfeldt (64, 6) a Tonsfeldt two-point conversion and Nolan Rick extra point kick.

Tonsfeldt had a great second quarter, connecting with Hunter Zenzen on a TD pass, returning a punt 60 yards for a touchdown and then running the ball in from twenty yards out.  Rick nailed all three extra-point kicks and the Trojans led 42-0 at the half.

Barnesville added a third quarter touchdown on a 9 yard run by Heng, followed by another PAT kick from Rick, and then scored for the final time in the game on a 22 yard run by Noah Krause in the fourth quarter.  Logan Ernst scored the conversion.

“It was a great team effort all the way around and it was great to FINALLY play at home!,” exclaimed Head Coach Bryan Strand.  “We have a stretch coming up that is going to see where we are and what we need to work on.  This week is Breckenridge and that is always a good game and then we come back home to face off with the undefeated West Central Area/Ashby Knights.  Both should be fantastic games.  We then travel to Roseau and then in a short week have to get ready for another very good team in Staples Motley who is also undefeated at this time.  Hope to stay healthy and continue to improve.” 

Tonsfeldt ran for 134 yards on 7 carries to lead the ground attack which accumulated 431 yards on 34 carries.  Aaron Schiefert (3 carries, 80 yards) and Hunter Anderson (5 carries, 71 yards) followed Tonsfeldt on the stats chart.  Ten different runners carried the football for the Trojans.

Defensively, Cole Swenson and Joey Mark recorded sacks, while Jackson Wahl and Graham Abar recovered fumbles.  Tackle leaders were Hunter Zenzen (9) and Brady Kroll (8).

“We also recognized the 2009 team at halftime, which was our first state qualifier since the late 1970's,” noted Coach Strand.  “Many members came back and were recognized at halftime of the game, the team was 11-1 and lost to Minneota in the first round. Minneota would go on to win the Class A title.  Great group of young men who helped turn this program around.”