Trojans defense stout in 47-0 road victory

With eight quarters of action in the books for the 2016 season, the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team has yet to give up a point. They have scored 87.

The Trojans (2-0) continued their early season dominance last Friday night with a 47-0 road win over Columbus.

Head coach Dan Lacey praised the play of the defense that had their second consecutive shutout, a fumble return touchdown from Andrew Simon, and an interception return for a touchdown by Braden Larsen.

"The defense played so hard Friday night. They were playing really aggressive and caused a bunch of turnovers all night," Lacey said.

For the second straight week, Whitehall was strong coming out of the gates and took a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Simon opened the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown reception from Larsen. Simon would score the first Whitehall defensive touchdown of the season moments later on a 35-yard fumble return. He also scored the first touchdown of the second quarter on a 41-yard pass from Larsen.

Larsen would connect with junior Wyatt Alexander for a 19-yard touchdown for the fourth Trojan touchdown of the opening half. Larsen would round up the scoring in the first half with a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Larsen would finish the game 17 of 35 for 258 yards, and also had 122 yards rushing.

"We had 22 carries for 184 yards that was huge for us. We limited third and longs the majority of the night as well which helped a bunch on offense," Lacey said.

Junior Braden Smith scored the final two Whitehall touchdowns of the game with a three-yard run, and a 14-yard reception from Larsen in the third quarter.

"Braden Smith has played very well for us on both offense and defense this year. We have had to move him around so much because he is so versatile on both sides of the football, but he has found a home as a linebacker/defensive end and a slot receiver and running back," Lacey said. "His athleticism is so fun to watch and he holds himself to such ahigh standard. He is a blast to coach. He will do anything you ask him too. I think you will continue to see him get better each week."

This week the Trojans will travel to play Anaconda who opened their season last week with a 36-0 loss in Boulder.

Lacey said his team needs to take it one game at a time and focus on getting better each week.

"Anaconda is a very physical team. They love to run the ball and control clock. There also a very aggressive blitzing team who like to get hits on the quarterback. If we control what we can control, it should be a great battle in Anaconda Friday night," he said.