The Parkland Trojans dominated the Dierruf Huskies in front of their alumni and fans during their Homecoming game. Prior to this game, the Huskies were 4-2 and already had more wins than last season, which ended with a 3-8 record. Deiruff knew facing powerhouse Parkland, who is now on a five-game win streak, would be a challenge. Senior Captain, Reid Andrush stated, “The last five games have definitely proven our growth as a team whether it’s making fewer mistakes or starting off the game at a fast pace. We plan to only grow more as a team no matter the opponent by giving our all in practice.”
The Trojans set the tone on the very first play when Sophmore, Naquan Thomason, returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. On Dieruff’s first offensive drive, Sophomore, Blake Nassry returned his interception 45 yards to the endzone. After the extra point, the Trojans were leading 14-0 in only two minutes of play. Dieruff then responded with a 75-yard kick return for a touchdown but missed the extra point. Quarterback, Osmony Guzman, then fired deep to Nassim Adams for a 67-yard touchdown pass. Leo Dauberman rushed for a ten-yard rushing touchdown, quickly followed by a fumble recovery for the Trojans. Andrush and Guzman both punched in rushing touchdowns, making it 41-6 with around three minutes to go in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Parkland’s Finn Coen connected with Jackson Geroulo for a 32-yard touchdown through the air. Caleb Corsa’s 16-yard rushing touchdown and the extra point expanded Parkland’s lead 56-6, with four minutes until the halftime break.
With the mercy rule in effect, younger players from both teams got playing time in the second half. There was no scoring in the entire second half of the game. “It’s a great opportunity for younger players to be exposed to a varsity-paced environment. Putting them in those situations will help them grow more as a player and build their confidence, so when they are older it won’t be a new nerve-racking experience”, said Andrush. There was no scoring in the entire second half.
Parkland improved its record to 6-1 and keeps the winning streak alive. The Trojans hope to use this momentum to fuel them as the regular season winds down.