By JOSEPH NAGY
Staff Writer
After starting off the season 5-0, UHS lost 21-24 to the Patriots in their first league game. Due to the loss, the Trojans fell from top three to bottom three in league rankings.
Going into the last quarter of the game, the Patriots were leading by a score of 17-0. UHS scored less than three minutes into the fourth Quarter when wide receiver Noah Macdonald (Sr.) caught a 12 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Thomas Keeling (So.).
After a successful PAT (extra point kick), the score was 17-7. When faced with another chance to score, Keeling threw for 28 yards to running back Alex Pourdanesh (Jr.) for a one handed catch.
In the next play, running back Zach Goodfriend (So.) scored on a one yard rush up the middle. The score remaining 24-14 with less than ten minutes left, the Trojans were forced to throw down field to make up for lost time.
Airing it out, Keeling threw to running back Clark Smith (Sr.) for a 33 yard touchdown.
Down by three points with less than three minutes left in the game, the Trojans played an onside kick in an attempt to recover the ball, giving offense one last chance.
Soon after however, the Trojans were flagged for an illegal formation. The Patriots would go on to run out the clock and win by a margin of three points.
After a tough loss for the Trojans, many players looked to reflect on this game and took the loss as a learning experience.
“I nor my team will ever be the same,” Pourdanesh said, “I will never hold back again and will guarantee that no one will take me down again.”
Pourdanesh had a total of 97 yards combined on offense. However, he was outshone by sophomore quarterback Keeling who threw for 257 yards and collected two touchdowns that night, a season and varsity career high.
After the game, the Trojans felt that they stepped up too late and didn’t play to their full potential.
“We came out too late in the game and didn’t play like we know how to,” wide receiver Farbod Memarian (Jr.) said.
The Trojans defense gave up a total of 381 yards, the most yet this season. The slower start from the offense costed three turnovers in the first half.
This was the first time all season that the Trojans were shut out for three consecutive quarters. UHS Football must step up in the next four league games if they want a chance at making it to CIF playoffs.
Next Friday, Trojans will face Northwood High at home. The game is expected to be an easy win.
