Spartans honored 9/11 with a big win of 31-14 at Friday’s home game against the Troy Buchanan Trojans. The night included a moment of silence in remembrance of those lost, just 14 short years ago. Spartan touchdowns were scored by sophomore Dylan Thaxton, senior Colin Etter, junior Jackson Berck, and junior Nathan Garthe.

The game started with a Trojan touchdown, missing extra points, with 8:35 left in the first quarter. Wide receiver and corner Dylan Thaxton quickly struck back with a touchdown, also missing extra points, making the score 6-6, 3:54 left in the first quarter.

With 10:33 left in second quarter, Troy scores a touchdown from the two yard yard, leading 14-6. Colin Etter made a 16 yard touchdown with a two point conversion fail 6:42 left in the second quarter. Quarterback Jackson Berck scores another touchdown for the Spartans, with yet another two point conversion fail 2:56 left in the quarter. First half ended with Spartans ahead 18-14.

Third quarter kicks off with a snap from center Dylan Gillette to Berck to Garthe 50 yard touchdown, extra points good, 10:39 left, 25-14 Spartans. Junior Micah Skebo then with a Spartan interception, returning the ball to the 30 yard line. Berck made another run into the Trojan’s end zone, extra point blocked, with 1:53 left in the third quarter. By the end of the third quarter Spartans lead 31-14.

Fourth quarter was scoreless for both teams, resulting in a Spartan win.

“It’s good to finally get a win. We’ve been working really hard for it and we really deserve this one,” said junior Gillette. “Our defense was playing really well.”

The Spartan’s record is now 1-3.

“Everybody’s energy is up now since we lost three straight,” said Thaxton. “There’s a lot of more confidence.”

Thaxton’s touchdown was not only the first on the board for the Spartans on Friday, it was his first touchdown since making varsity this year.

Senior linebacker Nathan Lane had about 13 solo tackles at the game. Lane admitted that playing without star offense players Jordan Cooper and Ashaad Blue, due to minor concussions, the team didn’t score as many points as they could have.

“We had a couple key players out with concussions this week,” said head Coach Pete Eberhardt. “Defense was picking up the offense and offense being able to move the ball and finally scoring in the red zone. It was a total team effort.”

The team travels to Francis Howell North Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.