Trojans fall at home to Ronan Chiefs, 28-6

The Troy Trojans lost 28-6 to the visiting Ronan Chiefs.

The Trojans (0-2) struggled to execute their new offense Friday under first year coach Brendan Miller. Seeking to utilize his team’s speed, Miller implemented a pistol offense this year. Similar to a shotgun offense that typically places a quarterback about six yards behind the line of scrimmage, the pistol places the quarterback three yards behind the line. The attack uses a number of misdirection plays designed to get the ball carrier in space near the sideline.

“All week I said we are the faster team, but every time we had a chance, we bounced it back inside,” Miller said. “We also had six or seven times that we didn’t make the pitch on the option, and that held us back from making big plays. I mean a kid like Sean (Opland) can run the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. He can’t cut it in, come on.”

The Trojans rotated between sophomore Dillon Savage and senior Pate Scott at quarterback. Savage has the bigger arm, but lacks Scott’s experience and athletic ability. Scott, one of the region’s best leapers during track season, is also one of Troy’s best receivers. While Miller would prefer to have Savage throwing touchdowns to Scott, he said the game is still fast for the sophomore.

The Trojans entered halftime down 22-0 and surrendered another touchdown before Opland rambled for a touchdown in the final minute. The All-State junior finished with 18 carries for 132 yards. He also recorded 18 tackles. The supreme effort was needed for a team that only dressed 17 players. Three Trojans who missed the game due to academic probation will return next week, including all-conference lineman Jordan Herrick. Two other starting linemen will join the 270-pound junior.

“Later in the year, I think we beat that team,” Miller said. “At the end there it just turned into go-to-Sean time.’”

Opland, an outstanding running back and linebacker, began attracting attention from Division I football programs late last season. He received letters from the University of Oregon, one of the nation’s top teams, after attending a regional camp this summer. At the least, Miller expects his star to earn a spot on whatever Big Sky roster he prefers.

“He has the type of talent that does not come around often,” Miller said.

The Trojans travel Friday to Cut Bank. Miller expects a physical, ground-based game. Miller said he was unsure who would start at quarterback.