~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
The Greene County Rams football team headed to Atlantic last Friday to take on the Trojans.
Since 2018, the Rams have been able to get the best of the Trojans more often than not, including a 41-6 win last season. A punishing Trojans rushing attack led to a 21-17 loss this time. Other defensive issues helped lead to the Rams’ falling to 1-2 on the year.
“Our inability to consistently tackle and shut down their run game was what did us in,” head coach Caden Duncan said. “Even with that, though, we had a chance to win at the end but just didn’t execute properly. It comes down to doing the little things better because those little things add up.”
Offensively, the Rams still moved the ball efficiently, averaging 4.2 yards per carry on the ground and 14.8 yards per completion through the air. So far this year, Crew Conner has been efficient under center with 201 yards on 11 completions, three touchdowns, and just one interception.
“We want to continue to develop the passing game. We want to be a run-first offense but when the opportunities present themselves, we need to be able to capitalize and keep defenses on their heels. We’re confident in our playmakers as well,” Duncan added.
The Rams also produced well on defense, including an interception from Trevon Keely. The sophomore also returned a kickoff to the house for a touchdown, marking his second game in a row doing so, which capped off a good night for the special teams. All told, the Rams had plenty of positives to take away from the game.
“We were proud of the guys’ effort. We were missing a few starters due to injury or illness. Then add in the fact that we were playing a team with twice the amount of players that we have. I think this game can be a good learning moment and can help us improve as a team,” Duncan concluded. “It was good to see another special teams touchdown and an interception on defense. Hopefully, we can continue to do those things.”
The Rams’ next game is their homecoming game, which is scheduled for this Friday. They will take on the 1-2 Saydel Eagles at Linduska Field in Jefferson, with kickoff at 7 pm.
The Rams hold the historical advantage, leading the all-time series 5-0 dating back to 2008 including, a 41-0 win last season.
Greene County 17 Atlantic 21
Passing: Crew Conner 5/11 74 yds 1 TD
Rushing: Nick Stream 74 yds, Crew Conner 61 yds
Receiving: Trevon Keely two receptions 66 yds 1 TD, Broc Stream three receptions 8 yds.
Tackles: Aden Bardole 8.5 total 3 solo, Kamden Kinne 8 total 3 solo, Camden Jacobs 8 total 7 solo, Patrick Graham 6 total 4 solo, Jaron Jacobs 5 total 4 solo, Nick Stream 5 total 4 solo, Broc Stream 3 total 2 solo, Keegan Lawrence 3 total 1 solo, Marcus Ball 2 total, Adam Bills 1.5 total 1 solo, Bryce Stephenson 1.5 total 1 solo, Rafe Michaelsen 1.5 total 1 solo.
Interceptions: Trevon Keely 1 w/60 return yds
Kick returns: Trevon Keely two returns for 96 yds 1 TD
Kicking: Teagan Chisholm 4 kickoffs for 215 yds, 0/1 on PATs
Two-point conversions: Nick Stream 1
Punting: Teagan Chisholm 2 punts 59 yds
