Trojans look to get offense rolling at Columbus

The Whitehall/Harrison High School football team will look to break out of an offensive slump when they hit the road Friday for a Southern B Conference matchup at Columbus.

After starting the year in impressive fashion with two non conference wins, the Trojans (2-4, 0-3 Southern B) have now lost four straight games including a 28-0 home loss last Friday against rival Jefferson High School of Boulder.

Both teams Friday would fail to capitalize on their first two drives on the game and after a blocked punt on second Whitehall possession the Panthers would score two quick touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead with 2:14 left in the opening quarter.

The Trojans defense would keep the team in the game and keep Jefferson off the board on their next six possessions that included four punts, a fourth down stop on the five yard line and an interception from junior Flint Smith.

The Panthers would put the game out of the reach with two quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put them up 28-0 with 7:53 left in the game.

Following the game, Whitehall head coach Dan Lacey said he was proud of the effort from his team but once again the defense showed up and the offense just can't get going.

"They are daring us to throw the football right now and we can't take advantage of the opportunities we have. We have guys that are open, we just can't find the connection," he said. "I think the biggest thing right now is confidence. We have to play with more confidence. We are in a little lull right now. We've played some solid football teams and were just not confident. We can move the ball between the 20's sometimes but when we get in the that money zone we seem to slow down and we've got to find a way to get the job done."

Columbus will come into the game Friday with a 2-3 record and are 1-2 in conference play.

"This game is huge. Winner of this probably, and we're not looking too far ahead, will get the third or fourth seed in the playoffs. We know we have to get some points on the board and help our defense," Lacey said.

The sixth year head coach is also looking forward to the opportunity to take the team on the road.

"I love road games. It's structured, the kids get a meal together, and it's a good time to bring everyone together. They understand they are on a road trip for a football game and I like that because there are less distractions.