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On Friday, November 29th the Troy Trojans traveled to Towanda to face off against the Riverside Vikings in the PIAA Class AA State Semi-Finals and Troy came out swinging.

On the opening kickoff, Trojan Lincoln Chimics fields the ball at the 10 yard line and takes it home for a 90 yard return. Gavin Lykon-Leffler’s kick is good – Trojans out ahead early, 7-0.

The Trojan wall held strong, forcing the Vikings to bring out the field goal team. No good! Trojans ready to advance.

But the Vikings kept the pressure on, forcing a turnover – eventually finding the end zone to tie it up, 7 to 7.

Second quarter, Trojans march their way to the red zone. Evan Woodward in the pocket, sends the ball just inside the 10 to Brendan Gilliland. A few plays alter, Kael Millard the lead blocker clearing the way for Gilliland and the second Trojan score. Lykon-Leffler splits the uprights, Troy back in the lead 14-7.

Up next, our Endless Mountain Brace & Mobility Defensive Play of the Game. With just over two minutes left in the half, Vikings in position to score, Joseph Frye reads the quarterback – interception! Let’s watch that again in slow motion.

Shortly after we have our Building No. 9 Offensive Play of the Game. Troy in their own territory, Woodward back to pass, hits Gililland over center and pinballs his way into the end zone, shifting the momentum in the Trojans favor just before halftime – 21-7.

The Vikings managed to cross the threshold one more time in the last minute of the second quarter, keeping it a tight ball game, 21-14.

Third quarter, was the Vikings saga as they fought tooth and nail with a 20 minute real-time drive. But the Trojan wall couldn’t sieged, forcing a punt with only 40 seconds left in the quarter.

Fourth quarter, Trojans 4th and 2, Woodward pitches outside to Gililland, beats three and muscles his way over the goal line. Touchdown, Trojans! The PAT was good, making it 28-14 midway through the fourth.

With just over four minutes left in this semi-final bout, Riverside attempts a big ball, however Woodward is there to bring it down and take the Trojans just inside the 15. A few plays later, Woodward then punches his way up the middle for the final score of the night – securing their path to the state championship – 35-14.

The Trojans remain undefeated as they travel to Mechanicsburg this Friday, December 6th to face off against Central Clarion Wildcats for the PIAA Class AA State Championship. The game will take place at Cumberland Valley High School at 1:00pm.