The Atlantic offense was on full display as the Trojans earned a 47-22 road win over the Storm Lake Tornadoes Friday night to close non-district play. The Trojans scored touchdowns on seven of their nine drives, executing the run game to near perfection. Supported by an excellent performance from the offensive line, Ethan McNeal and Gavin McLaren picked up three touchdowns each. Despite allowing some big plays, the defense played remarkably well. The three-man front was in the backfield all night while the secondary did its job covering talented receivers. All in all, it was a dominating win for the Trojans. 

Although the offense stole the show, it was the defense that opened the curtains. After giving up a first down, the Trojans forced a fourth down, where Colin Rudy came up with a sack to give the Trojans the ball at the Storm Lake 37. The offense made quick work the great field position. Keeping the ball on the ground, McNeal capped off the opening drive with a 3-yard touchdown to open the scoring. 

Despite constant pressure from the Atlantic defense all night, Storm Lake’s quarterback, Cameron Boyd, showed incredible improvisational abilities. He orchestrated a 88-yard response drive capped off by a Marco Cortes touchdown run to tie the game at seven. Then, following a 21-yard McLaren touchdown run, he would tie the game again with his first passing touchdown of the game. However, the Atlantic defense would eventually take its toll. 

After Atlantic scored on its third consecutive drive, the Trojans halted the Storm Lake offense deep inside their own territory and got a blocked punt on special teams to set the offense up at the 10. Although a recovered fumble nearly derailed the drive, McNeal cashing in on his third touchdown of the half to put Atlantic up 27-14. Getting the ball back in the second half, the Atlantic defense was looking out for a stamp on the first half and did so, forcing a sack fumble recovered by Jake Wailes. Although the Trojans came away empty, it held their two-score lead heading into the locker room and started Atlantic’s run of dominance. 

The second half was all Atlantic. Although Boyd added another passing touchdown on Storm Lake’s first drive of the half, he was under constant duress the rest of the night. Offensively, the Trojans continued to pound the ball on the ground. McLaren added two more touchdowns, including a 50-yarder, while Zayden Parker also added a touchdown on the ground. The defensive front of Atlantic continued to wear down the Tornadoes, and towards the end, Boyd had little time to get rid of the ball. As time ran out, Atlantic had put forth its most complete effort of the season and earned a dominating win. Head coach Joe Brummer was proud of the way his team executed the ground game, particularly on the line of scrimmage. 

The Physicality of both of Atlantic’s running backs was also on display. Something the Trojans emphasized, which both McNeal and McLaren do well.

The defensive front also drew praise.

The Trojans will take a 2-2 record and confidence into district play. However, Brummer knows that more challenges lie ahead.

Atlantic will open district play on the road next week in Creston. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.