2024 PIAA Class 2A Title Game Preview: The Troy Trojans

Tagged under: District 4, News, pfn, Playoffs

Jared Samuel | December 5, 2024

Troy v Central Clarion
2024 PIAA Class 2A Title Game
Friday, 1pm

Troy Trojans
PIAA District 4 – Class AA
League: Northern Tier League, Large School Division
Head Coach: Jim Smith

Overview:  The Trojans “..have had their sights set..” on playing for a State Title as Head Coach Jim Smith has said on previous occasions.  They ran roughshod over the competition and captured both the NTL and District 4 Championship, going 15-0 in the process.  The team, and their strong fanbase, approach each game like they have never won a game which is a testament to the “This week we are 0-0” philosophy that surrounds the Trojans.

How they got to the title game:  Troy got out to an early lead and then held on during an exhausting 3rd quarter drive from Riverside, then added 2 scores late to defeat the Vikings 35-14.  Troy executed in all 3 phases of the game as they got a kickoff return TD from their special teams and converted 2 turnovers into scores.

2024 SCHEDULE

Date Time Team Score Result
08-17 10:00 am @ Jersey Shore (Scrimmage) –
08-23 7:00 pm vs. Sayre 84-12 W
08-31 8:00 pm @ Dover (DE) 8-3 W
09-06 7:00 pm vs. South Williamsport 43-7 W
09-14 7:00 pm vs. Athens 55-0 W
09-20 7:00 pm vs. Towanda 56-13 W
09-27 7:00 pm @ Wyalusing 41-6 W
10-04 7:00 pm @ Wellsboro 50-20 W
10-11 7:00 pm @ North Penn-Mansfield 56-13 W
10-18 7:00 pm @ Central Mountain 62-10 W
10-25 7:00 pm vs. Canton 61-20 W
11-01 7:00 pm vs. South Williamsport 63-27 W
11-08 7:00 pm vs. Southern Columbia 69-28 W
11-15 7:00 pm vs. Warrior Run 59-14 W
11-22 7:00 pm vs. Bedford 42-16 W
11-29 7:00 pm @ Riverside 35-14 W
12-06 1:00 pm vs. Central Clarion 0-0 –

Key Players/Stats: (stats compiled prior to semifinal game)

QB Evan Woodward — the senior threw for 1597 yards and 20 TD’s with only 2 INT’s.  He can run the ball well also, adding 803 yards and 11 TD’s and plays Safety on the defense.

WR/CB Lincoln Chimics — an explosive player, the senior returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a TD in last week’s semifinal.  Adding 788 yards receiving and 10 TD’s on offense, Chimics is also a superb defender in the secondary who must be accounted for on every play.

RB/LB Brendan Gilliland — with 1246 rushing yards and 23 TD’s, Gilliland is a tough runner.  He also makes plenty of tackles from the Linebacker spot, as you’ll hear his name called often.  The junior is a key contributor anytime he is on the field for the Trojans.

LB/FB Jack Burbage — the senior is averaging around 9 tackles per game, the majority of those being solo tackles.  He is also the FB and can block well and get the tough yards when needed.

FB/NG Kael Millard — another stout defender on the D-line, Millard applies a lot of pressure.  The junior also runs the ball well on the offensive side with 528 yards and 7 TD’s prior to last week, and we heard his called quite a bit last Friday night.

Offensive keys to winning:  Having several different players who can effectively run the ball, Troy can pound the rock at opposing teams, and then use their playmaking receivers to open things up even more.  The line is strong and can wear down opposing teams, giving the backfield plenty of options.

Defensive keys to winning:  Troy’s LB’s and Secondary are the key.  With Burbage, Woodward and Gilliland back there, life can be difficult on opposing receivers.  The line is strong as well, and stopping the run is what they do best.  The pressure that the LB’s and D-line on opposing QB’s cannot be understated either, as they forced quite a few incompletions against Riverside.

Starting Lineup:

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews