Trojan football hosting rival Jefferson Panthers

Whitehall/Harrison's Friday night gridiron matchup at home against Boulder will not only be a battle of two rivals, but it will also serve as a crucial conference game midway through the season.

Following a 42-0 homecoming loss to a high-powered Manhattan team, Trojans (2-3, 0-2 Southern B) head coach Dan Lacey is looking forward to not only getting better as they prepare for the Panthers but to use the game as an opportunity to go "1-0" this week.

"We want to be 1-0 on the week and to do it against Boulder," he said.

In last Friday's night game against the Tigers, Whitehall started strong on defense forcing a three and out on the opening drive and moved into Manhattan territory before a turnover ended their drive. The Tigers would score on their next two possessions to take a 15-0 lead with 11:13 left in the first half.

Lacey said the biggest thing his team needs to focus on right now is realizing the situation and opportunities they have in the game and capitalizing. He said after stopping the Tigers on the first possession they had a chance to take the lead and make Manhattan work from behind.

He added the team needs to be more consistent with their play and having more success on first down will open up their playbook. Lacey also wants the team to understand the importance of valuing the football and not turning the ball over.

The Trojans gained momentum on their next possession after a 57-yard pass from Miles Hoerauf to Tegan Robbins but were stopped on a fourth and three play at the 12-yard line.

Manhattan would score on their next two possessions and capped the half taking a 36-0 lead after a long interception return for a touchdown.

Lacey was happy with the way his defense started the game but said the Tigers line wore them out and you could see that late in the second quarter.

Whitehall was also without the services of quarterback Miles Hoerauf who went down with an injury in the second quarter. Lacey said Mike Wilkinson did a good job filling in and was able to connect on a couple of short throws.

Jefferson will come into the game 2-2 following a tough 22-19 home loss against Townsend.