Brian Hagberg
ERIE, Pa. – Coming into the 2020 season, the biggest question about the Eisenhower football team was whether the defense could be good enough to win.
(Screen capture from the Iroquois YouTube channel.)
Through two games, the answer has been an emphatic yes. The Knights forced four first half turnovers and converted each into a touchdown en route to a 55-6 win at Iroquois Friday, Sept. 18.
Eisenhower wasted little time getting the scoring started. After the Knights (2-0) recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff, Cael Black walked in from the five on the next play.
Caleb Robinault came up with an interception on Ethan Klinzing’s first pass attempt of the game, then Dillon Benson hauled in a 65-yard strike from Owen Trumbull two plays later to put the Knights up 13-0 just 3:07 into the contest.
Iroquois (1-1) tried a fake punt on its next possession, but Eisenhower sniffed it out and took over at the Braves’ 33. Black plunged in from the 1 eight plays later. Zane Alexander scored from five yards out with 1:23 to go in the first to put the Knights ahead 27-0.
Antonio Rodriguez fumbled on the second play of the next possession, Eisenhower recovered and Trumbull connected with Alexander for a 22-yard score.
Benji Bauer recovered Dante Carr’s fumble and, three plays later, Trumbull found Benson wide open down the left sideline for a 59-yard touchdown pass to give the Knights a 41-0 halftime lead.
Colby Hagg scored from 12 yards out on Eisenhower’s first possession of the second half. A personal foul penalty after the touchdown backed up the Knights on the ensuing kickoff and Iroquois took advantage.
Carr ripped off a 20-yard third down run, and was brought down by a horse collar tackle to give the Braves a first down on the Eisenhower 12. Carr finished the drive four plays later with an 8-yard run.
Eisenhower lost a fumble on a bad exchange between Garrett Jensen and Keegan Eckstrom on the ensuing possession, but the Knights’ defense held and Eckstrom responded with a 48-yard touchdown scamper to close out the scoring.
Eisenhower outgained Iroquois 454-103. Trumbull was 6-14 passing for 203 yards and three touchdowns. Benson caught two passes, both touchdowns, for 124 yards. Black finished with 49 rushing yards and two scores.
Eisenhower returns home Sept. 25 for a match up with Seneca. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Seneca, but the Bobcats are having new turf installed and the field won’t be ready in time. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and Your Daily Local and D9and10Sports will be bringing you the action live on Facebook.
