Chris Yingling | Echo
The Taylor football team put together a dominating victory against Concordia on Saturday's homecoming game, winning 47-7.
The offensive spectacles began early in the game when the Trojan offense was able to put up 17 points in the first quarter. Sophomore kicker Alec Eickert split the uprights on the first offensive possession with a season-high 49-yard field goal.
The next two possessions both resulted in touchdowns for the Trojans. Led by junior quarterback Jonathan Keith, the offense was firing on all cylinders. Touchdowns by junior running back Jake Fidler and sophomore wide receiver Shawn Lashbrook put the Trojans up early 17-0 at the of the first quarter.
The fireworks continued into the second quarter with a fast-paced passing offense. Keith and freshman quarterback Justice Odom each tossed a touchdown while Eickert made his second field goal of the day. The Trojans were in complete command at the half, leading 34-0.
While the slew of offensive production was slowed down in the second half, Taylor continued to bottle up the Concordia offense. The Cardinals did manage a score, but the Trojan defense was too much, keeping Concordia's scoring to just one touchdown.
The game's final score of 47-7 can highly be attributed to the efficiency of Taylor's passing offense. All three of Taylor's quarterbacks were efficient against the Concordia defense and combined for 354 yards in the air; the highest total so far this season. A completion percentage of over 85 percent is a season-high for Taylor quarterbacks.
Lashbrook led the Trojans in receiving, totaling 137 yards off of seven receptions along with hauling in a first quarter touchdown.
The defensive line enjoyed a solid day, tallying up three sacks. Concordia's run game was held to just 35 yards while the passing offense was held to just 145 yards on 49 passing attempts.
The Trojans will be on the road this Saturday against Robert Morris at 1 p.m.
Photography by Timothy P. Riethmiller
