Nine minutes into the first quarter against McHenry, starting quarterback Peyton Seaburg fired a slant over the middle to Jake Hornok and he notched the first points of the contest from 31 yards out.
This was the beginning of an efficient first half for the Trojans, as they eventually took week three by a final of 42-19.
CG’s offense had four touchdowns in the first two quarters to jump out to a 28-0 lead, with the biggest touchdown coming via a punt return by senior Jack Rocen right as the second quarter began.
“It was a good boost for the team,” Coach Seaburg said. “[They] made a great play. Got some good blocks on that play as well. [It] really kind of got the energy going.”
The fire that was lit there didn’t look likely to spark at first, with Rocen being swarmed by multiple McHenry special teamers.
“I got a little nervous, and then I saw, once I looked out right, the blockers I had sealing their blocks. I had a wall perfect to run up to,” Rocen said.
Rocen executed his second punt return touchdown in three weeks with Friday night’s scamper, and that accomplishment has increased his confidence as he gets set to receive punts.
“I have my team out there helping me out all the time. I have my full trust in them. They’ll return everything,” Rocen said.
That punt return was the focal point of another strong win, and the offense did their job in the first half as well as throughout the second half to keep their foot down on the Warriors with help from the CG defense.
“If our defense is giving the offense great field position, it just gives you a lot better chances of scoring as opposed to having to drive the whole field,” Coach Seaburg said. “Having that good field position is really important.”
Andrew Prio got the second half started with a 62-yard kick return, solidifying the special teams unit’s impact on Friday’s game with that play, which led to a 35-0 lead two snaps later.
“They were outstanding. We give full credit to the guys blocking. It wouldn’t happen if they weren’t there,” Rocen stated.
After a great 3-0 start that already matches last season’s win total, Coach Seaburg aims to just keep improving as the Trojans visit Jacobs.
“We’re just looking to keep getting better, come back out to practice and put our game plan together, and then look to try to get our fourth win.”
