By: Greyson Steele

Threatening skies opened up to a prolific offense as the Plainwell Trojans defeated the Otsego Bulldogs in a convincing fashion Friday night at Streidl Field.  Much anticipation surrounded the game as it was named mlive’s “Game of the State” for the week of Sept. 20.  The Trojans were predicted by mlive to win by a close margin, 21-7, but silenced that notion with a dominating 44-17 victory over the bulldogs.

The action got started early as running back Jacob Geter ‘15 took his first carry to the house on the Trojans’ second possession in the first quarter.  The 70 yard touchdown got the crowd into it early, and they remained loud throughout the contest.

“It was lively, everyone who was there wanted to be there” said student Brad Richar ‘15.

The crowd did not go unnoticed by the players, specifically quarterback Trent Monroe ‘15.

“It was crazy, so many fans on both sides.  You walk out of the locker room for pregame and you see the student section roped off, you come back out for the game and it’s full, people were going nuts” said Monroe of the Trojan fans.

Monroe gave fans some excitement as he connected with wide receiver Jake Almeda ‘15 for a touchdown late in the first half to make it 28-6 Trojans.  The play was a sight to see for Trojan fans, for the team has been more known to pound the ball on the ground rather than move it through the air.

The Bulldogs did not throw in the towel quite yet as they came out to a strong start in the second half.  Scoring 11 unanswered points to start the third quarter, they briefly silenced the Plainwell crowd as the score tightened to 28-17.

In the end, the Plainwell offense could not be stopped.  Strong running by tailbacks Ryan Britton ‘14 and Geter continued and the Trojans cruised to victory in the fourth quarter.  The victory felt great for the Trojan players.

“It felt great to sweep Otsego at the Varsity level” said wide receiver and defensive back Vincent French ‘14.

Looking back on the victory, French points to one play that sealed the win for the Trojans.

“Trent’s pass to Almeda by far” he said.

The Trojans will look to continue to use the passing attack in the future, an attack that opens up opportunities to the wide receivers as well as the running backs.  The Trojans will take on the Allegan Tigers Friday night as they remain focused for a Wolverine Conference title run.

The players remain focused, especially Monroe, preaching Coach Darren Conklin’s montra.

“This week proved that we play as a team, we play as one.  We take everything week by week, Allegan is now the focus.”