Troop routs Mustang 11
By STU MERRY
When last we saw the Garrison-Max Troopers football team, it was walking off the field, fresh from a 45-19 drubbing of the Mandan JV. It was the perfect end to a feel good year, and enthusiasm was high.
If this past Friday’s game is any indication, the Troopers didn’t skip a beat. The boys in blue blew past Surrey 40-12. The team displayed poise. As the game progressed and the score increased, it was evident the team’s confidence grew. Team chemistry was also evident.
It was no contest. The Troopers scored early and often, surgically picking apart the Surrey defense, leading 34-0 at the half. The Troop tacked on six more points before the JV took over. The Mustangs added a pair of late TDs, avoiding the shutout.
The Troopers have a different look about them. "Our goal this year is to be more balanced offensively," said Coach Jason Mattheis. "It’s fun to hit the big pass play, but it is tough to be consistent when that is what you are counting on, especially if we get bad weather during this season (like we did towards the end of last year)."
To compensate, the coaching staff is focusing on being able to run the ball to help open things up in the passing game. "We feel confident that we can get positive yards on every running play which will help put us in manageable 2nd and 3rd down situations," the coach said.
