The Atlantic Trojans started the 2018 high school football season in positive fashion on Friday night with a 45-6 victory at Saydel. It was a game that seemed destined for a shoot-out early, with both teams scoring on their opening possessions. Following those traded blows it was all Trojans. Atlantic racked up 25 points in the second quarter to take command of the game and would add 14 more in the third.

A big momentum change came with the Trojans leading 12-6 following a Tyler Moen touchdown run. Moen scored again by picking off a pass from the Eagles’ Cash Lee and returning in 45 yards to pay-dirt. That seemed to take the wind fully out of the Eagles’ sails. Turnovers would play a big role with Saydel throwing the one interception and losing 3 fumbles on the night.

Atlantic Head Coach Mike McDermott said he liked the way the team showed a lot of toughness, running the ball well with multiple players and clamping down on defense. He was a little disappointed in the amount of penalties but felt a number of them were due to aggressive play, which is okay.

Atlantic quarterback Chase Mullenix was 2-5 passing for 49 yards and he rushed 12 times for 81 yards and two touchdowns. The Trojans out-gained the Eagles on the ground 317-110 yards.  Atlantic was also efficient in late down conversions, especially early in the game, going 5 of 9 on third down and 2 of 4 on 4th down.

Saydel’s Cash Lee was 6-8 passing for just 43 yards and 1 touchdown. Andrew Malone was the Eagles’ leading rusher with 55 yards on 9 carries.

Atlantic comes out on top in their first Class 2A game and will head back home to host Hawkeye 10 rival Creston next Friday.