Harris’ second-half TDs, four turnovers help Trinity topple Robert Toombs for first win

Trinity traveled to Lyons Friday night for its first road game of the season, and a battle of the Crusaders, against longtime rival Robert Toombs.

Weather delayed the start of the game for over an hour, and the wet conditions were a problem for both teams early on. However, the visiting Crusaders from Dublin were able to make some big plays late to come away with the 14-8 victory.

Robert Toombs took the ball to open the contest and moved the ball a bit before turning it over on downs after 23 yards on six plays. 

Trinity took over and had a solid opening drive going, with a couple of first downs to get into RTCA territory. Unfortunately a procedure penalty, a fumbled snap and a sack derailed the drive to force a punt.

Robert Toombs again picked up a quick first down, but the Trinity defense came up with an interception a few plays later to get the ball back. The momentum was short-lived, as they would fumble it right back on their first offensive play.

Following the turnover, Trinity committed a facemask penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct foul on back to back plays to set the home Crusaders up with a first down at the 15. The defense would come up with a huge stop on downs on fourth and two to keep the game scoreless, and neither team would threaten the remainder of the half.

Trinity turned the ball over on downs on its first possession of the the second half, but would force a Robert Toombs fumble two plays later to set up a big drive.

Trinity went 60 yards on 10 plays to finally get on the scoreboard. Will-J Harris capped the drive with a three yard touchdown run.  Unfortunately, the point after was blocked and the score was 6-0.

Robert Toombs wasted no time answering, needing just two plays to cover 70 yards, as A.J. Jinks broke free for a 65-yard touchdown, and then ran in the two-point conversion to give the home team an 8-6 lead late in the third quarter.

Trinity would fumble it away on the first play of its ensuing possession, but the defense again came up big as it forced another turnover on downs to prevent any further damage.

The next Trinity possession ended in a punt, but it pinned Robert Toombs inside its own 20, and the defense forced a three and out to get the ball back at the 40 with under five minutes remaining in the contest.

With a clear sense of urgency, the offense went to work efficiently and effectively, and would need just five plays to reach the end zone as Harris ripped off a 15-yard run to put the visiting Crusaders back in top. He added a two point conversion run to make the score 14-6.

After taking the lead, the only concern was that Trinity had left too much time on the clock with a full three minutes remaining. Those fears were quickly alleviated as Elijah Maddocks recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Trinity picked up the first downs to ice the game and come away with a hard-fought 14-8 win over the defending GIAA class A champions.

After struggling to find much rhythm in the first half, the offense really got it going down the stretch. Trinity would outgain Robert Toombs 286 yards to 190 on the evening, and had 16 first downs, against just 5 from the home team.

Freshman quarterback Jude Evans had a big night with his legs, running 14 times for 107 yards. He also completed six of 13 passes, but for only 26 yards. Harris had 15 carries for 92 yards and both scores. Tayt Evans finished with 61 yards on just eight attempts as the Crusaders racked up 260 yards on the ground.

Jinks had 180 yards on 17 carries for RTCA.

Trinity will be back home against Edmund Burke on Friday.