For the first game of the 2023 football season, the Trojans traveled to St. Francis high school to take on the defending 4A semifinalist Spartans in a non-conference matchup. The Spartans’ high powered offense proved to be no challenge for the Trojan defense that recorded three interceptions and sealed the victory in the final minutes.
The Spartans scored first with a 23-yard touchdown pass three minutes into the game. Hoping to take an eight-point lead, they attempted a two-point conversion that was unsuccessful. The Trojans quickly responded when senior Jameson Ordway returned the following kickoff 60 yards. Trailing 6-7, the Spartan offense took the field for an eight play drive that ended when senior Trojan linebacker Cael Brezina sacked quarterback Alessio Milivojevic.
One minute into the second quarter, the Trojans would add to their lead when senior running back Noah Battle found the endzone on a ten yard run. However, DGN’s lead didn’t last long as A. Milivojevic threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to sophomore Dario Milivojevic. This time, the Spartans successfully converted their two-point attempt. With the game tied at 14-14, the Trojan offense had 4:13 left in the half to regain the lead. Marching down the field, the Trojans took back the lead before the half with a 14 play drive that ended with Sophomore quarterback Owen Lansu connecting with junior Charlie Cruse for a touchdown; DGN led 21-14 entering halftime.
St. Francis received the second half kickoff, looking to tie the game, this drive ended when A. Milivojevic’s pass was intercepted by junior Antonios Kollinztas. The Spartans would regain possession of the ball with 9:51 left in the game. This time, feeling the urgency, the Spartans evened the score when senior Tyvonn Ransom found the endzone on a 30-yard rush. Again, the Spartans opted to go for two and with 2:45 left in the game, they led 22-21. After being in the lead most of the game the Trojans found themselves trailing their opponents in the final minutes. However, the Trojan offense had no trouble responding quickly as Battle found the endzone for the second time. Back in control, the Trojans kicked off with under a minute left in the game. On the final drive of the game, A. Milivojevic was picked off by senior Owen Thulin, sealing the game for the Trojans.
Next week, the Trojans will travel to DGS to take on the 0-1 rival Mustangs.
