TROY, Pa. — The Trojans are paving a new path in school history. They're coming off their first win in the 2A state quarterfinals, beating Bedford 42 to 16. The Trojans say their dominant wins all season are a team effort.
"Just the whole team working together. And, it starts up front with the line and they get movement up front and then we got weapons behind them. They can all make plays," said senior Evan Woodward.
Last year, the Trojans lost the District 4 'AA' title to the eventual state champs of Southern Columbia. The loss left was the motivation for this season. Not only did the Trojans win the District championship, this is the first time in school history that Troy has made it to the semifinal round.
"These kids have been in the weight room doing all the off-season stuff, doing everything we've asked them to do and playing great team football. Most of these kids, it's not about statistics. It's about wins and they're selfless players and we're just really lucky to have this group of kids right now," said head coach Jim Smith.
"There's quite a bit of pressure, but that's how it is in every game really in the playoffs. But our ultimate goal is to win a state title. So we just, just another bump in the road and we got another one this week and it's a big one," said junior Brendan Gilliland.
Troy will face off with Riverside in this semifinal round. Head coach Jim Smith says it's important to control the game as best they can, because the Vikings will bring their best.
"We're going to have to be very responsible on defense and, offensively, they're very solid. They don't give up any points. They create a lot of turnovers. They're everything that a good team is and we're gonna have to play good football to beat them," Smith said.
The Trojans say this dream season has a lot to do with the community's support and want to keep this perfect season going for them.
"It's been great. I mean, they're giving us send offs every time there's a thousands of fans showing up traveling, supporting us," Woodward said.
Troy hoping for that home town crowd support feeling Friday night against the Vikings at Towanda.