TROY - The Troy High football team kicked off their season in impressive fashion on Friday night, overpowering rival Amsterdam with a decisive 47-8 victory at home. Junior quarterback Anthony Brown, in his first varsity start, led the Flying Horses to a commanding win that left fans and players alike buzzing with excitement.
From the opening whistle, Troy demonstrated their prowess on both offense and defense, dominating the game in Section 2 Class A action. The Flying Horses' performance was a stark contrast to last year's campaign, where they finished with an 8-3 record and clinched the Capital Division title after a thrilling 34-28 victory over Amsterdam. This year, they wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring touchdowns on four of their first-half possessions.
“Amsterdam is one of our biggest rivals and a team we don’t like. The score should have been a lot greater. We’re not really satisfied,” said Troy senior running back and linebacker Vulonn Forde, highlighting the team's competitive spirit. Forde, who was instrumental in the victory, emphasized their desire to improve as they move forward in the season.
Brown's performance was pivotal, as he completed 7 of 11 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown. He expressed optimism about the team's potential, stating, “Honestly, this was pretty great. I think there is more to expect.” The Flying Horses outgained the Rugged Rams significantly, with a total of 303 yards compared to Amsterdam’s mere 101 yards, showcasing their offensive efficiency and defensive strength.
Troy’s defense was relentless, creating numerous short drives for Amsterdam, which allowed the Flying Horses to start five series on their opponent's side of the field. Coach Jordan Canzeri praised his players’ hunger and determination, noting that while they performed well, there were still areas for improvement, particularly regarding penalties and a few misplays.
The scoring began early in the first quarter with senior running back Nymiear Jenkins finding the end zone on a 1-yard run, followed by Brown connecting with Deonte Raysor for a 31-yard touchdown pass. Forde then added to the tally with a 16-yard touchdown run, giving Troy a commanding 20-0 lead.
Amsterdam managed to respond with a touchdown of their own when Jonathan Rosario scored on a fourth-down run, but Troy quickly regained control. Jenkins capped off the first half with another touchdown, running six yards from the Wildcat formation.
Forde continued to shine in the second half, adding two more touchdown runs of 26 and 22 yards, respectively. Kieonte Green put the finishing touches on the rout with a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown, further emphasizing Troy's dominance throughout the game.
“Everybody on the field on both sides of the ball - all of my teammates - played their hearts out,” Forde remarked, reflecting the team’s collective effort. The Flying Horses' defense also made their mark, recording four sacks and an interception by Green, while limiting the Rugged Rams to just six rushing yards.
As Troy (1-0 overall, 1-0 Class A) looks to build on this strong start, they will aim to refine their game and continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming weeks. With a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, the Flying Horses are poised to make a significant impact this season.
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