Opland steps to forefront to bolster the Trojans

Troy High School Football Coach Jim Dasios knows the limitations of his squad, not that he questions their talents. He’s talking about the number of athletes. Simply, there are few reserves.

“We’re starting four sophomores and one freshman,” Dasios said Saturday after his squad lost 44-12 to visiting Florence.

“It’s tough. We’ve got maybe eight people on the bench, not a lot of room for injuries.”

That ONE freshman is 5-foot, 11-inch, 190-pounder Sean Opland, and if Dasios is going to start ONE freshman, Opland is a good one.

“Yes, Opland had a good game,” Dasios said.

That was an understatement.

Opland, who triples as a running back, linebacker and punter, was all over the field Saturday, making tackles and intercepting passes on defense, and moving the ball on offense.

Perhaps, his biggest play of the evening, however, was his fake punt on fourth down that advanced the ball, garnering a first down and setting up the Trojans’ first touchdown.

“I just looked up and saw five or six guys coming at me and took off,” Opland said.

Said Dasios of the play: “Hey, I wish I could say it was a designed play, but I can’t. That was all Opland.”

Dasios said Opland is a shining spot for the Trojans.

“He’s coming along. He’s blessed with size. One of our bright spots.”