NDA Jr. Football Quarterfinals - Trojans move on

The West Ferris Junior Trojans are moving on to the NDA Jr. Football semi-finals after a convincing 27-8 victory over the Northern Braves at West Ferris S.S. on Wednesday. The two teams battled to a 13-13 tie during the regular season. The Trojans were able to move the ball well during the first half but two separate penalties inside the Braves 15 yard line in the first quarter and an interception inside the 10 yard line stalled two offensive series for the Trojans. Phil Thesen was able to put the Trojans ahead in the first half with an off-tackle run. Brad Piper added the conversion to put the Trojans ahead 7-0 at the half. Thesen went on to accumulate 109 yards rushing for the day.

The second half showed a determined Trojan team as their running game became a force to reckon with. The efforts of Mike Small, Spencer Brear and Phil Thesen moved the ball to set up the powerful running of Brad Piper.

The scoreboard was dominated by Piper as he scored three touchdowns in the second half all of which came inside the 10 yard line. Piper added two more conversions. Offensive end Steve Bertram had an excellent game receiving as well as a 53 yard punt return. The offensive coaching staff of the Trojans was impressed with first year center, Luke Hummel's ability to handle the playoff pressure with snaps to quarterback Leckie under center as well as the shot gun.
The Northern Braves had a strong offensive series in the last two minutes of play that culminated in a touchdown by Yves Laframboise with 10 seconds left in the game. The Braves then added a two point convert.