After routing the Southwestern University Pirates in their final home game of the season on Nov. 9, the Tigers have improved to 7-2 and remain tied for first place in the Southern Athletic Association.
The Tigers’ defense allowed the offense to capitalize in the first quarter. Southwestern’s drive was mired with penalties and ended with Trinity University defensive lineman Jackson Priesmeyer forcing a Samuel Johnson (Southwestern) fumble that was recovered by defensive back Ryan Ventura. A touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Back to wide receiver Will Taylor gave the Tigers a 7-0 to close out the first quarter.
Southwestern began the second quarter with a punt, allowing Trinity’s offense to come to life when they obtained possession of the ball. A 24-yard pass from Back to wide receiver Tyler Hancock placed the Tigers in Southwestern territory, concluding their drive with a 24-yard rushing touchdown by running back Legend Grigsby to extend the Tigers’ lead to 14-0.
Southwestern quarterback Jaylen Spriggs struggled to break through the Tiger’s defense for the remainder of the half, throwing two interceptions. The Tigers’ offense took advantage of Trinity defensive back Anthony Njoku’s interception, leading to a touchdown pass from Back to wide receiver BJ Rainey. The Tigers ended the half leading the Pirates 21-0.
To start the third quarter, Trinity’s defense stopped Southwestern’s attempt to spark their run game, ending their 14-yard drive. Trinity responded in their following drive with a rushing touchdown from running back Winston Hutchison.
With eight minutes and 45 seconds remaining in the third quarter and the Tigers at a commanding 28-0 lead, Jaxon Sims replaced Jaylen Spriggs at the quarterback position for the Pirates. This adjustment was not enough to bring them back into the game. The Pirates’ only touchdown would come in the game’s final minute when Southwestern quarterback Peyton Inderlied completed a pass to his brother, wide receiver Garrett Inderlied.
Trinity’s defense served as a key factor in their 34-7 win over Southwestern, having forced and recovered three fumbles and generated 17 points off turnovers. Spriggs threw for a total of 37 yards and completed five of 14 attempted passes, while Ryan Back threw for 220 yards, completing 20 of 28 attempted passes.
In his first season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, Ryan Back has thrown for a season total of 14 touchdowns. Eight of those touchdowns have come in the last four games of the season. Back credits the offense growing into their identity throughout the previous games as a key contributing factor to his on-field production.
“The continued growth and relationship with the guys around me has helped me succeed,” Back said. “A lot of guys around me are also first-year [starters]. The receivers and the O-line have gelled together. … [There is] a lot of chemistry going right now, and the coaches are calling the plays that allow us to excel.”
Wade Lytle, the Tigers’ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, emphasized how the team’s consistency with preparation has allowed the players to be successful this season.
“You just got to come out and prepare the right way every single week,” Lytle said. “You got to work, continue to develop the guys. We have to continue to make good game plans and put the guys in positions to be successful.”
Back mentioned the cohesiveness on all sides of the ball that contributed to the Tigers’ recent win.
“Big emphasis from the coaching staff isnwe want to be a three-phase team: on offense, on defense, on special teams,” Back said.
All three of those components work together and those guys all year have been really great. When they make a big play, a big stop and we get the ball on the other side of the field, it makes things just a lot easier.”
Since the overtime win over Berry on Oct. 26, the Tiger’s defense has held their opponents to a total of 14 points, the fewest allowed over a two-game span. Fifth-year middle linebacker Cade Rabson earned one forced fumble and two blocked kicks against Southwestern. Additionally, Rabson has earned a collegiate career high of three sacks in a season. He gave credit to his first-year teammates as essential elements of his improved performance.
“[There are] a lot of freshmen stepping up like Ryan Ventura,” Rabson said. “[He had] like four fumble recoveries last game. [We have] a bunch of freshmen coming in ready to play. Makes it a lot easier to play out there when you got a bunch of teammates doing well.”
The Tigers will close the season on the road on Nov. 16 in Millsaps, Miss., where they will face the 5-4 Millsaps College Majors.
