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Win, teamwork important for Anderson, Trojans in alumni football game
May 4, 2010
Getting a hard-earned 6-0 win for the Trojan Football team over the alumni Saturday at the Trojan Field was important for Coach Josh Anderson and his coaching staff.
There was something more important, however, gained by the 2010 edition of the Trojans, according to Coach Anderson.
"We had some issues with our offensive line due to injuries," said Anderson, who is in his second year as the Trojans' head coach. "We actually had just three regular offensive linemen on the field so we had a number of defensive linemen fill in."
They were able to make a big enough hole for Matt Engelmann, a Miller sophomore running back, to score on an option play from quarterback Paul Bagala (a sophomore from Poulsbo, Wash.), in the second quarter for the game's only score.
The scoring play was set up by a big-yardage pass play from Bagala to senior wide receiver Kyle McIntire of Tracy, Minn. on the previous play.
"Having those defensive linemen fill in those offensive spots and having others step it up, we gained a lot in getting a grip on the concept of TEAM football," said Anderson. "I'm proud of all our guys, and how they made the team better."
Anderson was awed at how well the alumni put their game together.
"It was amazing that this group showed up and played well, considering that they had no practice. They just let their natural instincts take over Saturday," he said.
"Our defense did a great job shutting down the alumni and keeping us in the game. They played a solid game."
As much fun as it was for the present Trojans, it was, too, for the alumni, according to Jared Pettereins, who was a 2000 NAIA All-American wide receiver for the Trojans.
"I think we all came up, put on the pads and had a lot of fun," said Pettereins. "You don't get the opportunity to do that too many times. There were some of us guys that hadn't seen each other for a dozen years. It was really cool to get together, but it was just too bad that we lost."
Anderson indicated that he and his coaching staff shored up some starting positions prior to the Trojans' fall camp, which opens on Sunday, August 15th.
The Trojans kick off the 2010 season at home at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 28th, playing Midland Lutheran College at the Trojan Field.
Dan Holsworth, Dakota State University Athletics Assistant
