It was a night of anticipated and unanticipated delights at the football season home closer on Friday, October 21. In front of a sellout crowd and a fan section painted in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the all-township battle versus Edison unfolded. The Trojans took an early lead against the Eagles, but Edison tied it up just before the half, and a last-minute field goal broad Edison up by three.
At halftime, the crowds honored the football team, cheerleading squad, marching band, and color guard seniors for their dedication and accomplishments over the last four years. It has been a tumultuous time, to say the least. The football seniors began in a rebuilding year under then-new coach Brian Meeney. That was followed by an uncertain and condensed season due to Covid restrictions. Returning to normal in 2021, the team went undefeated and unscored against in the regular season. As seniors, the team pulled together as it mourned the unexpected death of coach Meeney. With newly minted coach Tarig Holman, the team jumped up two divisions and was still able to hold its own, going undefeated in the Big Central Conference and losing only one game to Timber Creek.
Also at halftime, the Most Reverend Bishop James Checchio made a surprise appearance to greet STA fans, view the marching band’s video game music-inspired field show, and cheer on the athletes. In an STA first, the bishop ascended the bleachers and stepped into the heart of the packed student fan section to greet the students and pose for photos.
Returning to the football action, the Eagles pulled ahead 17-7 to close out the third quarter but the Trojans weren’t done yet. Jayden Young made a 55-yard drive, which started with a fumble recovery, and on the fourth down scored a one-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to three. With the crowds roaring and just 31 seconds left on the clock, the Trojans made a final touchdown to bring the score to 21-17 and seal the victory, the team’s 17th-in-a-row in Big Central Conference play.
As the weather cools and the fall season winds down, this huge victory is a signal that things are about to heat up!