The Maroa-Forsyth Trojans picked up a 39-20 victory over the Auburn Trojans Friday night, using a strong defensive performance and a balanced offensive attack to pull away.
The victory was also a milestone night for Maroa-Forsyth head coach Josh Jostes, who celebrated his 250th career win during the contest. With Friday’s victory, Jostes now sits at 251 career wins.
First Quarter
Maroa-Forsyth got on the scoreboard first after Auburn fumbled, giving the Trojans possession in the red zone.
Maroa took advantage of the short field, finding Grady Rose (#14) on a pass. Rose fought his way into the end zone for the touchdown. Lucas Cline (#50) added the extra point to make it 7-0.
The Maroa defense then created another big opportunity. A disrupted Auburn passing play following a failed sack attempt resulted in a big interception by Aiden Williams (#10).
Maroa-Forsyth carried its 7-0 advantage into the second quarter.
Second Quarter
The Trojans extended their lead early in the second quarter as Gunnar Larner (#1) powered his way into the end zone.
Maroa then went for two, with Jerrin Taylor (#22) running the conversion into the end zone to make it 15-0.
Williams continued to make an impact defensively, forcing an Auburn fumble as Maroa’s defense kept creating opportunities.
However, penalties continued to cause problems for the Trojans.
After Maroa was hit with two 10-yard penalties, Auburn intercepted a Maroa pass and regained possession.
Maroa responded with another touchdown, as Kaden Blunck (#11) ran the ball into the end zone. Cline’s kick was good, giving Maroa a 22-0 lead with 5:56 remaining in the half.
A 15-yard penalty against Maroa later helped set Auburn up with favorable field position. Auburn needed just two plays to reach the end zone, cutting the lead to 22-7 with 1:40 remaining.
Maroa-Forsyth took a 22-7 lead into halftime, but the Trojans knew they would need to clean up the penalties in the second half.
Third Quarter
Maroa came out of halftime and quickly added to its advantage.
With 6:17 remaining in the third quarter, Trojans scored another TD. Cline converted the extra point to make it 29-7.
Auburn answered with a passing touchdown to No. 11, followed by a successful extra point, cutting the Maroa lead to 29-14.
Fourth Quarter
Maroa-Forsyth continued to control the game in the fourth quarter.
Gunnar Larner (#1) added another touchdown on the ground. Cline’s kick was good, extending the Maroa advantage.
The Trojans’ defense continued to come up with big plays. Jerrin Taylor (#22) provided strong coverage to prevent an Auburn pass from reaching the end zone.
Maroa’s pass rush then recorded two sacks, helping force another Auburn turnover.
The Trojans reached the red zone again and faced a third down near the end zone, but a penalty pushed Maroa back. Maroa elected to settle for a field goal, and Lucas Cline (#50) knocked it through to make it 39-14.
Auburn added a late touchdown by No. 2, but it was too little, too late.
The final whistle sounded with Maroa-Forsyth on top, 39-20.
Final: Maroa-Forsyth 39, Auburn 20
It was a statement night for the Trojans, who got contributions on both sides of the ball while celebrating a major milestone for their head coach.
Josh Jostes — 251 career victories.
