The Atlantic Trojans claimed their first win of the season in Denison Friday night with a 30-8 win over the Denison-Schleswig Monarchs. Atlantic showed vast improvement from week one to week two with a phenomenal defensive performance. The offense made the biggest jump, not only establishing the run but executing several explosive play-action passes. Although it wasn’t a perfect game, the Trojans looked impressive in bringing their record to 1-1. 

Atlantic had the run of play in the opening quarter. They controlled time of possession and field position with two of the Trojans’ first three drives starting in Denison-Schleswig territory. Despite punting on their opening drive, the special teams unit came through with a punt to set up the offense in position to score. However, a holding penalty would set the Trojans back, and they would ultimately settle for a 29-yard Trevor Ellison field goal. Up 3-0, the Atlantic defense would force yet another punt and which allowed the offense to go on a drive that would see Atlantic on the cusp of the red zone by period’s end.

After penalty backed up the Trojans once again, the Trojans faced 3rd and 16, but on the opening play of the second quarter, Zayden Parker delivered a wonderful ball to Brock Goodrich for a 30-yard score to give Atlantic a 10-0 lead. However, after this point, the quarter belonged to the Monarchs. Blaine Grady responded with a 30-yard pass of his own to a wide-open Andy Pederson, who walked in for the touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, the lead had been cut to just two. In a game that heavily featured the run, time moved quickly while neither offense gained much ground. However, it was more of a win for Denison-Schleswig to keep Atlantic’s lead at 10-8 heading into the half.

Where Atlantic controlled the opening quarter, they dominated the second half. Once again, the defense held firm, forcing a punt on the Monarch’s opening drive. As had been the case at times throughout the night, the Trojans found themselves behind the sticks due to some errors. However, Ethan McNeal as part of his 116 rushing yards picked up a huge conversion on 3rd & 12 to keep the drive alive. a Few plays later, Parker hit on another play action pass that set up McNeal for a six-yard score to make the lead 16-8. The defense would continue to come up big throughout the rest of the night but cashed in on Denison-Schleswig’s next drive. as Carter Hadley picked off Grady and behind a wall of Trojan blockers ran it back 25-yards for a pick six to put Atlantic in firm control of the ball game. Up 23-8, the Monarchs were forced to lean on the passing game, but it proved unsuccessful as the Trojans continued to defend well. However, the Trojan offense wasn’t done. Another explosive play-action pass from Parker saw Corbin Ritter go upstairs to come down with the ball and then jog the rest of the way into to the endzone to put away all doubts with 9:52 left to go.

Overall, it was a massive improvement for Atlantic. Parker finished 5-for-9 for 121 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense had 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and a touchdown. Both sides of the ball improved on their week one performance, and although the run dominated the call sheet, it was the explosive passes that made all the difference. Head coach Joe Brummer was very pleased with his team’s effort, especially his defense’s second half.

The passing game was the most improved area of Atlantic’s game in week two, and the execution and dedication to improvement made the difference.

Brummer was pleased with the way his team turned around after week one and the way they controlled the line of scrimmage.

Atlantic will be back at home next week to face 2-0 Des Moines Christian. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 P.M. at the Trojan Bowl. Catch all the action on KJANTV.