Justin Chapman | The Echo
The Taylor football team recovered from three straight losses with a win against Olivet Nazarene University on Saturday night.
The Trojans scored early and often, entering the fourth quarter with a 34-7 lead. Olivet Nazarene pushed back in the fourth quarter, but their effort could not close the gap, as the final score ended up being 34-21 in favor of the Trojans. The game was the second of the season at Turner Stadium and also gave the Trojans their second win of 2016.
Taylor's offense recorded 481 yards overall, including 209 rushing yards. Freshman running back Spencer Crisp added some yards to the ground game; he ended with 12 rushing attempts for 52 yards. Crisp believed that the win really helped to revive the hope in the team.
The offense capitalized in the redzone, going 6-for-6 with four touchdowns and two field goals. The defense held Olivet Nazarene to 369 total yards, along with completing five sacks.
"We ran the ball really effectively, we protected our quarterback and we pressured their quarterback," Taylor head coach Ron Korfmacher said.
With another win under their belt, the Trojans look ahead to their next game against Missouri Baptist University. This game will be their second conference game.
Junior defensive lineman Ben Rupert has been happy with the team's preparation during practice this week.
"We're focusing on pursuing the ball carrier, playing physical, playing fast and free and just having a lot of fun," Rupert said.
Korfmacher added to the optimism the team has felt this week during practice. He stated that the team feels good about what is ahead of them.
Tomorrow's matchup with Missouri Baptist gives the Trojans a chance to improve their season record to 3-3. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Turner Stadium.
"Photograph by Fayth Glock"
