Opland leads way as Troy trounces Plains, 50-20
<p>Junior Cody Johnson on the carry to the Ronan 29 fourth quarter Sept. 12, 2014.</p>
The Troy Trojans (1-0, 2-2) wrangled the Plains Horsemen (0-4) on the road Friday, 50-20. Junior Sean Opland ran behind outstanding blocking, compiling 256 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 15 carries. All five of Opland’s long rushing touchdowns came in the first half. Troy Coach Brendan Miller pulled his star player early in the third quarter.
“He was pretty much unstoppable,” Miller said. “It was pretty crazy on his 25-yard touchdown; the line opened a hole I could have scored on. It was huge. On most of his runs he was not getting touched until he was 10 yards downfield. And once he got going he was running over, through or around people until he was gone.”
The Trojans were opportunistic in the air. Quarterback Pate Scott completed all three pass attempts, finishing with 101 passing yards, including a 50-yard score to Mason Chapel. Scott added 67 yards on the ground.
Every Trojan who dressed played a snap Friday. The score was 40-12 at halftime, and Miller substituted liberally in the second half. It was mostly freshmen on the field when Plains scored the final touchdown on a 50-yard pass play.
“We have to continue our efficiency,” Miller said. “Over our last two games we have forced seven turnovers and not given up the ball. That really helps a lot.”
Miller praised the play of cornerback Cody Johnson. The junior filled out the stat sheet, recording four tackles and one pass defended on defense while also catching a 44-yard pass and chipping in an eight-yard carry for good measure. For the second consecutive game, the receiver Johnson defended did not record a catch.
“He’s making really big plays,” Miller said. “They threw some trick plays at him and he did a good job of not falling for anything. He is not the fastest or the most athletic kid, but he is smart and always in the right position.”
Chapel and Scott each intercepted a Plains pass. While his defense made impact plays, Miller said there is room for improvement.
“We can still cut down on the big pass plays we are allowing,” Miller said. “If we can do that next week against Bigfork, we should be in for a good game.”
The Trojans host Bigfork (3-1) for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday.