Bethlehem, PA – The Trojans shutout the Patriots to get the 17-0 win in an EPC South matchup. Parkland started the game with a clock eating long drive. The Trojans ended the drive with a missed 33-yard field goal attempt with 4:30 left in the first quarter. With 3:39 left in the first quarter, Juan Salas of Parkland intercepts Joe Young of Freedom to give the Trojans excellent field position. Parkland takes the early 3-0 lead on a Brian Hanton 25-yard field goal. With :19 left in the quarter, Frank Guida scores on a two-yard touchdown run for Parkland. Trojans lead 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter starts with both teams trading punts. Freedom drives down the field at the end of the first half looking to get momentum with a score but fumbles inside the five-yard line. Trojan Quarterback Michael Ruisch connects with receiver Justin Lessel for the 28-yard score. Hanton adds the extra point and the Trojans lead 17-0 at the half. The Parkland defense held the Patriots’ offense to just one rushing yard in the first half. It was a dominant performance from the Trojans defense.
The second half starts with punts by both teams. Freedom has a nice drive going when they fumble again with 5:34 left in the third quarter. The third quarter ends with the score 17-0 with the Trojans leading.
The Patriots have one last chance with a nice drive midway through the fourth quarter. The drive ends with another Freedom turnover. This time it’s a Trojan interception. Safety Zach Bross intercepts Joe Young to seal the game for the Trojans. Parkland gets the big EPC South win by a score of 17-0.
Key players for the Trojans were quarterback Michael Ruisch and running back Nick Suriel. Ruisch completed 10 of 14 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Suriel had 99 yards on 12 carries.
Key Players for the Patriots were quarterback Joe Young and receiver Alec Huertas. Young completed 19 of 32 passes for 169 yards. Huertas caught 8 passes for 63 yards.
Parkland (4-1) hosts Whitehall (3-2) next Friday evening while Freedom (3-2) travels to Emmaus (5-0).
