Trojans fall to Indians, downward spiral continues

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Entering Friday night's game against North Side, Dyersburg had lost three straight and four of its last five games. When the contest with the Indians was over, the Trojans were still searching for a fix to their sputtering offensive woes, evident after North Side blanked the Black and Gold, 23-0.

The shutout, the first since a 41-0 loss to Pearl-Cohn in the 1997 state semi-final playoffs, only heightened the threat of being absent from the state playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

Dyersburg (4-5, 1-4) certainly had its chances to erase the losing skid, especially early in the opening quarter. However, a fumble near the goal line and defensive stands by North Side in the fist eight minutes of the game kept the Trojans out of the end zone.

"We have to be more consistent offensively, no doubt about it. Tonight we had the opportunity to start off on the right foot, but unfortunately we didn't get it done," said Dyersburg skipper Bart Stowe.

North Side benefitted from the solid play of quarterback Adam Craig. The freshman completed 7-of-12 passes for 214 yards, throwing for two touchdowns. On the ground, Craig blistered the Trojan defense, rushing 18 times for 125 yards and one touchdown.

In contrast, Trojans quarterbacks Chase Brown and Hayden Alford combined to complete 3-of-16 passes for 20 yards and two interceptions. Also, talented running back Xavier Taylor was held to 78 yards on 22 carries.

Oddly enough, despite the loss to North Side, the Trojans still have plenty to play for in the season finale on Friday when facing Haywood County at J.C. Sawyers stadium.

"We've got an opportunity to make the playoffs. If we can get in then it starts a new season and everybody is 0-0," said Stowe. "We are going to keep the kids positive and continue to work hard at practice. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint."

Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.