Last season, Athens had a senior led team and went on to the D4 Semi’s. During that season Athens picked up two close victories over NTL foe Troy. This year, however, Athens has been struck with the injury bug, as well as hurt with graduation. Troy came to town Friday night with something to prove and a chip on their shoulders. Coach Jim Smith and the Troy faithful would not be disappointed to the tone of a 56-15 drubbing of the Athens Wildcats.
Senior QB Jed Wright orchestrated the Troy offense up and down the field through the air and by ground to a quick 42-0 lead at half. The mercy rule went into effect in the second half and the Athens reserves were able to put some points on the board for the home crowd.
Jed Wright completed 4 of 8 passes for 130 yards and three TDs and ran for 104 yards and a TD on six carries in a little over a half of true work.
Troy Stivason of Athens completed 6 of 14 passes for 99 yards and 1 INT. Back-up QB Aaron Barry was 2-for-2 for 114 yards and a score.
Cody Cain had four catches for 150 yards and a TD and Forbes had four catches for 55 yards for Athens.
Brandon Sturzenegger led the way on the ground for Athens with 61 yards and a TD.
Troy ran at will on the tune of 440 yards. Brandon Mattocks had 65 yards and two TDs, while Ross Sherman added 56 yards on six carries, Josh McClaren had 51 yards and Chance Lantz had on 55 yards.
Ryan Reeves had two TD catches for 78 yards and Mattocks had two catches and a TD.
Athens falls to 2-3 on the season as Troy is now 4-1 and must gear up for big upcoming games vs Loyalsock and Towanda.
