Despite a promising first half that ended with the Troy High School football team trailing the Victor Pirates by only ten points, the Trojans were unable to overcome the victor offensive, ending in a 52-25 loss Thursday.

An injury for Troy sophomore lineman Jace Fisher didn’t help in the second half, weakening the the Trojan line on both the offense and defense.

“We’re not a very good defensive team. We’ve been working on it a lot, but we’re definitely a better offensive than defensive team,” said Troy Head Coach Luke Haggerty. “I think our guys got a little tired as well.”

Still, Troy managed a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, with senior Cy Winslow pushing the final 10 yards of a 33-yard drive in the final seconds. The Trojans also made their first extra point of the year to end the game on a high note.

Despite the loss, the Trojans did significantly better against the Pirates than they have against other teams so far this season.

“They were bummed because they wanted to win, and the game was closer than the score,” Haggerty said. “They were fired up though. They were happy. They understood how good of a game this was and how big this is for the program.”

Haggerty said he thinks the team has the potential for some wins in the games ahead of them. Part of that is the growth they are showing.

“The thing I like is, we were better this week than we were last week,” he said.

The Trojans are working hard, and it’s just a matter of time before they see the rewards of their efforts, he said.

With junior Terren Winebark returning for Troy’s showdown with Superior-Alberton at Clark Fork this Friday, the Trojans should see a boost to their defensive line, Haggerty said. Aside from that, it’s just a matter of putting the work in during practice.

“We’ve got a hard working group of guys here, and I’m so proud to coach these guys. They’re great, they’re a great group of guys,” Haggerty said.

Troy’s away game at Clark Fork on Friday is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 13

Victor 50, Troy 25

V: 22 6 8 16 - 52

T: 6 12 0 7 - 25

Troy (0-4) - Passing: 14 of 32 for 159 yds, 1 TD 1 Int; Cody Osterberg 14 of 30 for 159 yds; Ricky Fisher 0 of 2 of 0 yds. Rushing: 22 carries for 114 yds, 3 TD; Cody Osterberg 10 carries for 27 yds, 1 TD; Ricki Fisher 1 carry for 8 yds; Cy Winslow 10 carries for 77 yds, 2 TD; Tyler Gromley 1 carry for 2 yds. Receiving: 14 carries for 166 yds, 1 TD; Ricki Fisher 2 carries for 3 yds; Cy Winslow 2 carries for 41 yds; Dylan Peterson 1 carry for 15 yds; Kolton Lewis 9 carries for 107 yds, 1 TD; Kick returns: Jojo Brown 2 returns for 3 yds; Cody Osterberg 2 returns; Dylan Peterson 1 return for 7 yds; Alex Harper 2 returns for 2 yds; Tyler Gromley 1 return for 6 yds; Kolton Lewis 1 return for 35 yds. Tackles: Jojo Brown 2, Cody Osterberg 15, 2 TFL; Ricki Fisher 6; Cy Winslow 16; Dylan Peterson 19; Ricki Starks 3; Alex Harper 9; Colin Stecher 1; Brodie Gravier 9, 1 TFL; Tyler Gromley 6; Hunter Jordan 4, 1 TFL; 72 D. Fairbairn 5, 1 TFL; Jace Fisher 1; Kolton Lewis 1; A.J. Starks 1; Brodie Gravier 9

Victor (1-3) - Passing: 3 of 3 for 58 yds; Rushing: 62 carries for 464 yds