Game Recap: Trojans Vs. SLO Panthers

Eagle Rock, CA - Saturday, July 26th, 2008 - The Valley Trojans improved to 3-0 on the season Saturday after defeating the San Luis Obispo Panthers 31-7. The Trojans played very well on both sides of the ball as the defense was stingy (as usual), and the offense seemed unstoppable.



Wide Receiver Fred Alexander (#8) had a break out game, amassing 189 yards on 8 receptions, and scoring three touchdowns. The aerial assault, lead by Quarterback, Mike Carlstrom, was firing on all cylinders and gained 241 yards. Ole Olson, came into the game in the third quarter at Quarterback, and added another 69 yards to the air attack giving the Trojans 310 yards in the air on the day. The offense took advantage of the defense throughout the contest, and even with the usual suspects not gaining big yardage, everyone played a big role in the overall success. Anthony Celestine made another great catch as he tip-toed the sidelines, Marquis Powell was about half a step from making what was a 29 yard gain, into a 70 yard TD; and Brandon Wright occupied the middle of the field holding Safeties and Linebackers at home.

The Running game sought out some success as Running Back Donald Carpenter bull-dozed his way into the end zone in third quarter. Carpenter finished the day with 9 carries, 21 yards and a TD. Running Back Joe Prado added some huge sparks to the running game, and the offense in general, with 5 carries, for 29 yards. Adding to the rushing totals, Olson rushed for 22 yards as he scampered out of the pocket and made plays with his feet.



As for the defense... well, they played the way that they play all the time, stingy! It was not until late in the fourth quarter that they Panthers were able to score. The Trojans defense kept a very solid Panther passing attack at bay for the majority of the game. Cornerback, Rob Harris, intercepted 2 passes and was one block short of taking one to the house! Both Harris, and Cornerback, Billy Payne, played lock down coverage all game. Last week’s defensive stand out, Chad Johnson, was at it again as he pressured the Quarterback all game; as well as a huge stripped ball on the kickoff coverage, that he recovered as well. These were all parts of a defensive unit that play extremely hard and very well together.



But, there is one man this week that dominated the field and the stat sheets! Nick Skophammer, the massive Defensive End, slash Defensive Tackle, caused mayhem for the Panthers offense. Skophammer finished the day with 8 tackles, 5 of them were sacks!



The Trojans advance to 3-0 in league play, but more importantly, they are now 3-0 in division play. The season is still young, but the playoffs are always in mind, and winning the division is the key to getting into the playoffs, and getting a first round bye.



The next game will be a home game as well, and possibly the toughest on the schedule as the Inglewood Blackhawks come to town. Stay tuned for the preview on this match up, as it will pin two of the top teams in the LCFL North/West conference in a head to head battle.



Notable Stats:



Offensive:



Mike Carlstrom (QB #17) - 11/18, 241 Yards, 3 TD's

Fred Alexander (WR #8) - 8 Rec, 189 Yards, 3 TD's



Defensive:



Nick Skophammer (DE #96) - 8 Tackles, 5 Sacks

Rob Harris (CB #2) - 4 Tackles, 2 Int's

Edwin Flores (DE# 94) - 4 Tackles, 1 Sack