(Atlantic) Atlantic Head Coach Joe Brummer said this week his team would focus on improving the run game, and the Trojans answered the bell Friday night. Atlantic rolled up 455 rushing yards, averaging 9.9 yards per carry, and defeated Storm Lake 56-17 in a non-district football game at Atlantic.
Brummer credited the offensive line for opening up holes, while running back Ethan McNeal had a big night with 18 carries for 269 yards and four touchdowns. Benton McLaren also had a strong night on the ground, finding the end zone twice, while Jack Wailes and Clayton Kelley contributed. Wailes led the Trojans defensively with nine tackles.
The Trojans jumped out to a 14-0 lead early. McNeal broke loose for a long touchdown run, and Skyler Burcham added a pick-six to put Atlantic on top 14-0. Julian Muniz-Rodriguez got Storm Lake on the board with a 40-yard field goal with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter.
McNeal answered with two touchdown runs for 72 yards, while Benny McLaren scored on a one-yard run to give Atlantic a 35-3 advantage with 6:42 left in the second quarter. Jay William scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass, but the Trojans mounted another drive with 54 seconds remaining in the half. McLaren polished off the drive with a four-yard touchdown run to give Atlantic a 42-10 lead at the break.
Ethan McNeal punched it in from two yards out to put the Trojans ahead 49-10, starting a running clock for the remainder of the game. Atlantic quarterback Brandon Wagoner then executed a picture-perfect bootleg with 3:40 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Trojans a 56-10 advantage.
Vilah Chaiyawong picked off a Trojan pass early in the final quarter, producing the final score as Atlantic went on to win 56-17. Coach Brummer says except for the pick-six, the Trojans’ defense played lights out.
The Trojans improve to 2-2 and will host Creston in a Homecoming game next Friday night. Storm Lake falls to 1-3 and will host Sioux City West next week.
