Mission established a potent ground game to beat the Trojans on Homecoming night, 24-14.

Troy had several explosive plays to stay competitive, but Trojan turnovers were a boon for the Bulldogs and Troy dropped to a frustrating 0-6 with just two games to play.

“We played better defensively than other games,” said Troy head coach Jim Dasios. “We’re getting better, but turnovers still kill us. Crucial fumbles, crucial interceptions just shoot us in the foot.”

The Trojans took a rare lead in the first quarter on a 20-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Gabe Hickman to junior wide receiver Luke Haggerty. Freshman running back Sean Opland ran it in for two points and an 8-6 lead.

Hickman, although throwing a few interceptions in the second half, put the team on his back. 

He had to scramble nearly every down, yet still completed half his passes (12-24) for 194 yards and rushed for 66 more.

“Mission’s ends came in really fast,” Hickman said. “I’d look downfield but couldn’t see anyone. Sometimes it’s hard, but that’s the game.”

Mission rushed for 263 yards, even though the size of Troy’s line impeded the Bulldog game plan.

“We couldn’t run inside, we had to go running on the edges,” said Mission head coach Rich Ferris. “We had a couple key stops by our guys, but there was nothing we were able to do and they weren’t.”

Troy actually dressed more players than Mission, but even a little more depth couldn’t overcome miscues.

A long touchdown pass to Haggerty was called back because of an illegal receiver penalty. That play, which would have put the Trojans up, was what broke Troy’s back.

“It felt like it was kind of demoralizing for the team,” Hickman said.

Troy travels to Plains on Friday.