Olympic capitalizes on Spartans’ mistakes

The Bainbridge Spartans fell in another one-possession game to the Olympic Trojans at home 16-13 Sept. 22.

Although Bainbridge lost on a late field goal, the Spartans ruined their own chances with several penalties and turnovers throughout the game.

In the first quarter, the Trojans struck first when running back Alvah Fanua rushed for a touchdown to make the score 7-0.

The Spartans looked like they were going to respond as they marched down the field with several runs and passes by quarterback Jack Grant.

However, Grant scrambled at Olympic’s 14-yard line, reaching the 1-yard marker before fumbling into the end zone. Olympic’s defense fell on the ball, giving the Trojans a touchback.

Olympic handed Bainbridge a golden chance as the Spartans blocked the Trojans’ next punt and recovered it at the 1-yard line. A few plays later, Grant snuck in for a game-tying touchdown.

Both teams scored another touchdown and missed the extra point, making the score 13-13.

In the second half, the Spartans turnovers began to pile up.

Bainbridge marched to Olympic’s 15-yard line before Grant threw an interception that was returned back to Bainbridge’s 39-yard line. In addition, the Spartans picked up a personal foul on the tackle, placing the ball at around the 25-yard line.

The Spartans’ defense held strong. However, the offense turned the ball over on downs at Olympic’s 30-yard line and 1-yard line. With about six minutes left, Olympic marched back to Bainbridge’s red zone for the first time since scoring earlier in the half.

After being held at the Spartans’ 7-yard line, Olympic kicker Jacob Gesell nailed a field goal to give the Trojans a 16-13 lead.

Bainbridge had two more chances to get into field goal range. However, the Spartan offense fell stagnant, turning the ball over on downs once and punting on the other opportunity.

Bainbridge’s tight end Luca Scheltens moves the ball downfield after catching the pass from Jack Grant.

Bainbridge’s tight end Luca Scheltens moves the ball downfield after catching the pass from Jack Grant.