Big plays key Troy's triumph

FULLERTON When the scoreboard clock at Fullerton High displayed zeros after the Freeway League game between Troy and Fullerton on Friday night, it was the only time the outcome of the contest was a certainty.

The city rivals battled hard from the opening kickoff, and it was the Warriors who came away with a 22-20 victory.

“It was a real good football game,” Troy coach Jim Burton said. “We had to play our best to beat Fullerton. My hat goes off to them.” 

The game was decided on some big plays executed by the Warriors (6-2, 2-1) combined with three failed conversion attempts after touchdowns by the Indians (4-4, 2-1).

Troy quarterback Tyler Swaney threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to his cousin, Josh Swaney, to give the Warriors a 7-0 first-quarter lead. 

The Indians answered with a second-quarter, 17-yard touchdown run by Michael Allain. The extra point try was blocked. 

However, the Indians made up for it later in the quarter when Anthony Chavez and Anthony Milone tackled Tyler Swaney in the end zone for a safety, giving Fullerton an 8-7 halftime lead. 

In the third quarter, Troy faced a fourth-and-8 on the Indians’ 24 when the Swaneys connected again, this time for a 24-yard touchdown. The Warriors took a 15-8 lead after the 2-point conversion.

But the Indians came right back, when a 68-yard return by Jose Carmona on the ensuing kickoff set up Allain’s second touchdown run. 

Once again, however, the Indians were unsuccessful on the 2-point try and the Troy led, 15-14, after three quarters. 

Troy gave itself a cushion when a snap sailed over the head of the Fullerton punter and bounced into the end zone. The ball was pounced on by Warriors defensive lineman Ryan Hagen for a touchdown. 

“That was a huge play,” Burton said. 

The Indians still had fight, driving 78 yards on 10 plays on the ensuing drive, with Thomas Sheehan’s 1-yard quarterback sneak for a score getting Fullerton within 2. Yet again, the Indians were stopped on what would have been the tying 2-point conversion. 

Troy came close to running out the clock, but a fumble gave possession back to the Indians with slightly more than a minute remaining. But the Indians couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity. 

Allain led all rushers with 131 yards on 27 carries.

Troy’s Derrick Coleman ran for 114 yards on 28 carries. 

The Warriors and Indians are tied for second place with one game remaining.

Contact the writer: lponsi@ocregister.com