Titans one step closer: Advance to semi-finals

A sluggish first half was erased in the final second of the second quarter of Thursday night’s playoff game, as Payton Conrad managed to score on the last play of the half for the Titans giving them the 7-6 lead heading into the half—a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Thursday night’s playoff match-up against the well seasoned Trojans found the Titans fighting for every yard. The Titans struggled to find their rhythm early, suffering lost fumbles and dealing with a Trojan defense that came to play.

West Central got on the board first, scoring towards the end of the first quarter. The score, set up by a big punt return, was a Devon Garry 12 yard run. The two point conversion failed, giving them the 6-0 lead.

The Titans next possession failed to result in a score and the Trojans managed to march down the field threatening to score again. On fourth and two at the Titan 15, Conrad made a big tackle to stop the drive and give the Titans the ball.

However, it wasn’t until late in the second quarter that Tea was able to set up a drive. A 40 yard pass to Carter Slykhuis put the Titans at the Trojans 40. After a sack on the next play, Conrad weaved his way around the Trojan defenders making his way to the end zone as the final second ticked off the clock. Kade Stearns point after gave the Titans a 7-6 lead heading into the half.

The Titans did their part in the second half, keeping West Central out of the end zone and the Titans’ offense added another score in the third quarter secure their 14-6 victory. In the third quarter, the Titans’ Adam Heien had a couple of great carries capping off the drive with a 20 yard run for the score.

On the night, the Titans finished with 231 yards of offense, 137 on the ground and 94 in the air.

Helen led the rushing attack with 70 yards on nine carries. Conrad finished with 53 net yards on the night on ten carries. Carter Slykhuis had 20 yards on one carry.