TROJAN POWER...describes the Arcanum running game in a 16-7 victory over Mississinawa Valley.

Story by Dale Barger
The Mississinawa Valley Blackhawk’s traveled to Arcanum looking for their first ever win on the Trojans turf.

Mississinawa would benefit from the first mistake of the game when Arcanum coughed the football on the 40-yard line where senior Nathan Brunk scooped it up.

A few play later senior Ryan Dickey found Brunk running a flag route in the end zone where he hauled in a 32 yard Touchdown. Brandon Garza was good with his foot on the extra point and the Blackhawk’s went up 7-0 with 1:53 to play in the first quarter.

On the ensuing possession the Trojans methodically marched down the field behind the o-line establishing a good running game. At 9:21 in the second quarter A.J. Airman plunged in from two yards out for the score. Instead of kicking the extra point Coach Hein called for a two-point conversion and it was successful behind senior Tim Haney and Arcanum answered to go up 8-7.

Mississinawa took drove the ball on their next possession deep into Arcanum territory. But a series of mistakes; a holding penalty, a sack and delay of game put them into a 4th and 38 where they then punted back to the Trojans.

Arcanum started on their 10 but went 3 and out punting back to the Blackhawk’s. A shanked punt gave Mississinawa one more chance before the half to score as they took over at the 38.

They would squander the opportunity as they coughed up the football and John Sullenbarger recovered on the 35-yard line to help preserve Arcanum’s lead at the half 8-7.

In the 3rd quarter Arcanum failed to move on the opening kick-off. Mississinawa found quick success in moving the ball first was a 40-yard scamper by senior Tracey Harris and then another nice run to keep the drive moving.

The Blackhawk’s then went to the air trying the same route as earlier in the game… but this time Kyle Fledderjohn of Arcanum read it and picked it off in the end zone at 6:05 in the period to squash another MV scoring attempt.

Arcanum responded going 80 yards running almost 8 minutes off the clock. Facing a 3rd and long Josh Stone looking down field for a receiver pulled in the football and scrambled for 25 yards eluding many Blackhawk defenders along the way to score a touchdown. Once again they went for two as Brad Rothwell went around the right side for the score to put the Trojans up 16-7.

Mississinawa threatened two more times to score in the final minutes of the 4th quarter. Even a successful hook and ladder play fell short as the Trojans were able to beat them back both times and preserve their 16th win at home against the hawks.

The win raises Arcanum’s record to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play and will travel to Bethel next week. Bethel pulled off somewhat of surprise win over Ansonia 38-6.

Mississinawa falls to 2-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play and hosts Bradford next week.