Senior Kinzer Jaennette finishes off a pick-six interception for a touchdown against Benton. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

The South Tama varsity football team returned home last Friday night for a matchup with the class 3A #9 rated Benton Bobcats. Despite the Trojans hanging tough in the first quarter, and getting their second-highest scoring output of the season, Benton was able to pull away for the victory, 56-26.

Benton got off to a quick start, scoring two touchdowns in the first three minutes of the game to go ahead 14-0. But on the Bobcats’ third possession, junior Tanner Large intercepted a Benton pass and gave the Trojans the ball at the Benton 22-yard line. On the sixth play of the ensuing drive, sophomore Eric Medina ran the ball in for a 2-yard touchdown to cut the Benton lead to 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.

But the second quarter saw Benton increase their lead. The Bobcats scored four touchdowns in the quarter to push the halftime score to a 42-6 margin.

As the second half began, Benton scored quickly to push the lead to 49-6. However, the Trojans began to find scoring success thanks to help from Benton turnovers. On their second possession of the half, the STC junior Garrett Surman recovered a Bobcat fumble near midfield. Off of the turnover, the Trojans were able to put together a quick, four-play scoring drive highlighted with long rushing gains by quarterback Large and senior running back Cody Blocker. The drive was finished by senior Tyrus Clegg, who ran the ball in from 14-yards out, cutting the lead to 49-13.

Turnovers hurt the Bobcats again on their next possession, as senior Kinzer Jaennette intercepted a pass and ran it back 36-yards for a touchdown. But Benton responded with their eighth touchdown on the night to lead 56-20.

Junior quarterback Tanner Large scrambles with the ball against Benton. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

On the final drive of the night for the Trojans, many of their reserve players saw significant game action. They were able to put together an 11-play scoring drive that was highlighted by strong running from sophomore running back Michael Henry. The drive was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by freshman Izak Schroeder, giving him his first varsity touchdown of his career, and putting the final score at 56-26, Bobcats.

On the night, Blocker finished with 103 rushing yards, making this the second game in a row where he has rushed for over 100 yards. Henry added 60 yards of rushing. Large finished with 33 passing yards, to go with 9 rushing yards. Blocker and Henry each added 13 receiving yards, which led the team. Defensively, the Trojans were led by junior Nick Upah and sophomore Kyle Youngbear, who recorded 10 tackles each.

South Tama’s (0-8) final game of the season will be held on Friday, Oct. 25. It will be a home contest with the Solon Spartans. The game is slated to begin at 7 p.m. at the STC High School Stadium

Senior co-captain Cody Blocker finds a running lane against Benton. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT