Football Bounces Back with Win Over Trojans

MADISON, S.D. – On Saturday afternoon, the Waldorf football team was on the road for a conference game against the Dakota State Trojans. The Warriors won 34-14.

Waldorf's offense started strong, with Jatoviay Hill (JR/Davenport, IA) carrying the ball for gains of six and three yards, and then breaking free for a 17-yard run, advancing the team to their own 46-yard line. The Trojans defense forced the Warriors to have to punt.

Jakim Brock (JR/Stockton, CA) came up with an interception and returned it for 11 yards, getting to Dakota State's 35-yard line. Jordan Cooper (SR/New Caney, TX) connected with Malik Adams (SR/Cedar Rapids, IA) for 15 yards and then Cooper rushed for a 20-yard touchdown.

On 3^rd and 6 for the Trojans, Keegan Handal (SO/Tomball, TX) got an interception and returned it for a 20-yard touchdown to extend the Warriors lead to 14-0.

The Trojans responded with an eight-play, 67-yard drive to score their first touchdown of the game. 

Hill came up big for a 62-yard rush to move down the field. The offense was unable to get into the redzone and Connor Parker (SO/Stillwater, MN) made a 45-yard field goal to move the score 17-7 at the start of the second quarter.

Keylan Jackson (JR/Minneapolis, MN) sacked the Trojans quarterback for a loss of six yards which forced Dakota State to punt. 

With just over seven minutes remaining in the first half, Hill rushed in the endzone for 19 yards for a touchdown to close out the second quarter, 24-7.

To start the third quarter, the Trojans scored on their opening drive to score the only points in the quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, Parker made a 30-yard field goal to extend the to 27-14. With six minutes remaining, Taye Buchanan rushed for a 31-yard touchdown to secure the win for the Warriors, 34-14.

Cooper went 10-17 for 66 yards. Hill finished with a total of 155 rushing yards, with 14 carries, and one touchdown. 

"I am extremely proud of how our guys have handled adversity. Being able to bounce back from a tough loss is not easy, especially on the road," Head Coach Tyler Chapa stated. "We are showing ourselves and our community what Waldorf football is all about."

The Warriors are now 4-3 overall and 3-2 in NSAA conference play. Next up is the last home game of the season on Saturday, October 21^st against the Mayville State Comets. Kickoff is at 1 pm.