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Sports
By Patrick Browne
The Forest Park Trojans improved their record to 7–1 with a 48–20 victory over Ironwood on Oct. 13. The win solidified the Trojans as one of the best eight-man teams in Michigan. They are now ranked fifth in Division 2 by the Associated Press.
“Ironwood came out and played really well,” said Coach Brian Fabbri, reflecting on the win. “I am very happy with the team’s performance. We had a long bus trip, multiple players out for various reasons and we came away with a win. It was also a good experience for some of the younger players who stepped up during the game.”
The Trojans got on the scoreboard first when senior Adan Brazeika recovered a fumble and took it in from two yards out. It was the highlight of his four-year Trojan career.
“I was in shock to see the ball float right between my eyes,” he said. “I grabbed it and ran into the end zone. I’ve played all four years, but this was my first fumble recovery for a touchdown. It felt awesome”
When Dietrich Rasner missed the extra point the lead stood at 6–0. Less than five minutes later Nik Stephens connected with Vic Giuliani for a touchdown, Rasner connected on the point after and the Trojans were up 13–0. The teams then traded touchdowns and the first quarter ended 20–8.
The second quarter belonged to Forest Park who got on track scoring 21 points. The teams entered the locker rooms with a score of 41–14. Coach Fabbri gave his boys plenty of playing time and kept the score respectable. Neither team scored in the third quarter and touchdowns were traded in the fourth quarter. The clock expired with a final score of 48–20.
Matt Showers led the Trojan defense with six unassisted tackles and, when conditions warranted, freshman quarterback Vic Giuliani stepped in to lead the Trojans. His smooth confidence belied the pressure of the role, and the Trojans did not miss a beat with him taking the snaps.
Playing without their star running back Felix Quevedo, the team was led by junior Grayson Sundell, who scored three touchdowns and gained 145 yards on 16 carries.
“It’s a big problem not having Felix on the field as he is our main guy, but we have to step up and do what we know we can as a team,” Sundell said. “In football you have to have the mentality that no one is going to stop you. You have to think it, and believe it.”
Trojans ended their season against North Central.