(Atlantic) Atlantic held off Greene County at the Trojans’ 12-yard line in the waning moments and won 21-17 in a non-district football game at Atlantic on Friday night. With this victory, the Trojans extended their record to 4-0, while Greene County fell to 1-2.
Atlantic’s offense totaled 314 yards, all on the ground. Tyson O’Brien was the primary contributor for Atlantic, with 30 carries for 270 yards and a touchdown. The senior tailback has rushed for 804 yards in the first four games. Fullback Gavin McLaren carried the ball eight times for 42 yards and scored one touchdown. Ethan McNeal scored a touchdown for the Trojans with a 52-yard punt return.
Greene County’s offense totaled 135 yards, 84 on the ground and 51 passing. Nick Stream led the Rams’ ground game with 14 carries for 50 yards, and Crew Conner contributed nine carries for 43 yards. Conner went 5-11 passing for 51 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown to Trevon Keely. Keely also added an 80-yard kickoff return for Greene County.
Atlantic Head Coach Joe Brummer touted Greene County’s effort and credited the Trojans’ defense with an excellent job.
Greene County scored first when Trevon Keely intercepted a Trojan pass, but they could only manage a 31-yard field goal by Teagan Chisholm with 4:42 remaining in the first quarter. The Trojans responded with 38 seconds left in the first quarter when Ethan McNeal returned a punt for a 52-yard touchdown. This was reminiscent of McNeal’s 95-yard kickoff return the previous week against Glenwood. The Trojans increased their lead early in the second quarter with a four-yard touchdown by Gavin McLaren, capping a seven-play, 62-yard drive. After Hadin Thompson’s extra point, Atlantic led 14-3 at halftime.
The Rams came out firing in the second half as Trevon Keely put the visitors back in the game with an 80-yard kickoff return to start the second half. However, the extra-point attempt failed, and the Trojans maintained a 14-9 lead. Greene County took the lead early in the fourth quarter when Crew Conner connected with Keely on a 14-yard touchdown, capping off a five-play, 67-yard drive. The Rams converted for two points, taking a 17-14 lead.
However, the Trojans quickly answered when Tyson O’Brien ran 45 yards for a touchdown, putting them on top 21-17 following Thompson’s extra point. Greene County threatened again deep into Atlantic territory, only to be turned away on downs. The Trojans faced a fourth down and three on their side of the field and called a timeout. They then lined up and forced an offside penalty on the Rams with a hard count to seal the victory 21-17.
Atlantic travels to Winterset next Friday night. Greene County celebrates homecoming against Saydel.
