×
×
homepage logo

Troy blanks McLouth in tough road defeat

By Shawn Linenberger - | Oct 13, 2004

A big run was all Troy needed to top McLouth on Friday in Troy.

That’s what made last week’s Delaware Valley League showdown so frustrating for the Bulldogs.

The Trojans scored on a Nolan Franken 72-yard scamper with 7:50 left in the first quarter.

MHS then shut down Troy until 29 ticks remained in the game.

The Bulldogs offense, however, couldn’t take advantage of a solid defensive effort as McLouth lost 14-0.

“I give credit to their defense, but we didn’t play well on offense in any aspect of the game,” McLouth coach Harry Hester said. “That made it tough.”

Troy had 194 yards of total offense, but McLouth only mustered 109 yards. The Bulldogs’ usually potent running game posted just 62 net yards. MHS had 39 passing yards.

In the first half, McLouth drove to the Troy 5-yard-line, but turned the ball over. Plays later, Troy then coughed up the ball on its own 5, but officials ruled the ground caused the Trojan player’s fumble and Troy retained possession of the ball.

MHS might even have had one last shot late in the game. With about four minutes left in the fourth, the Bulldogs were forced to punt, but a bobbled snap kept the ball in McLouth territory and helped the Trojans get a second touchdown.

As for McLouth’s defense, the Bulldogs allowed just 20 yards through the air.

“I thought they’d throw a little bit more, but they didn’t,” Hester said. “That’s a credit to our coverage.

“Defensively we played extremely well.”

Now 4-2 overall and 4-2 in the DVL, the Bulldogs now look to districts.

McLouth’s first opponent is Immaculata at home. The Raiders are 3-3 on the season after losing last week to Lansing, 13-7.

“Immaculata has a great group of seniors — they’re very talented,” Hester said. “We have a great challenge ahead of us. We’re looking to respond.”

One of those seniors, Danny McEvoy, is a double threat. McEvoy is a standout receiver on offense and a stingy defensive end on defense. The Raiders also feature middle linebacker/fullback Barrett Kaufman.