Rockets come up short against Trojans

A week after coming up one-point short shy of the Malvern Hornets in a cross-county battle Aug. 26, the Conotton Valley Rockets ran into a roadblock when they traveled to Newcomerstown to take on the Trojans Sept. 2.

The Rockets stayed within striking distance in the first half, trailing 8-6 after the first period and 22-20 at halftime. The Trojans edged ahead in the third quarter with two scores while the Rockets put one score and a two-point conversion on the board and held a 36-28 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The host outscored the visitors 22-16 over the final period for a 58-44 win.

Offensively, the Rockets put up 419 yards, including 281 through the air and 138 on the ground. Sophomore quarterback Zach Putnam completed five of 15 passes for three touchdowns and one interception.

Kam Wright caught eight Putnam passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Brooks Bower caught three passes for 105 yards and senior Gaige Galigher caught three passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior Evan Rice was the Rocket’s workhorse in the backfield with 118 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. Putnam carried the ball seven times for 10 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, senior Ben Haney led the effort with 15 tackles, including three solo and Galigher was credited with 12 tackles, including seen solo. Rice recovered two fumbles while Nolan Caldwell and Noah Smith both forced Newcomerstown fumbles.