This season marks the start of a culture shift within the Trojan football program. After a streak of up-and-down seasons where the team constantly fell short of where they wanted to be, everyone knew something needed to change.
It started with the culture. “The team culture is different this year because of how tight all of the guys are with each other compared to teams in the past. This year’s team has a much better culture and overall healthy environment to be in every day,” said Jack Wallace ’25. Wallace is a four-year varsity quarterback and has been a team captain for the last three seasons.
This culture was built during the offseason through early morning lifts and summer workouts. “The biggest strength that this team brings is the willingness to want to win. Every day, I go to practice and see that my teammates want to work harder and harder each day to get better and win games,” said Serafim Surgeladze ’25. Surgeladze is the starting center for the Trojans, entering his last year of high school.
Heading into homecoming week and week six, the Trojans have a record of two and three. This week, the Trojans face off against the Jefferson J-Hawks. But first, let’s recap the previous week’s games.
In week one, the Trojans faced off against the first cross-town rival of two this season, the Liberty Lightning. This game was a shootout, with Wallace throwing two touchdown passes and completing 21 of 32 pass attempts. He also ran for two touchdowns. Another offensive standout was Butali Butali ’25, running 20 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Julian Manson ’26 also showcased his two-way skills with seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. He also had nine tackles on the defensive side of the ball. The Lightning ended up winning 56-45.
In week two, the Trojans hosted Urbandale in their first home game of the season. Wallace topped his performance in game one, throwing 28 for 38 on pass attempts with three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown. Manson had another standout performance with seven catches for 135 yards and a record-tying 3 touchdown catches. The defense was much better during this game as a result of a performance by Declan Bunn ’25, with ten tackles and one tackle for loss. The Trojans won 34-28.
During week three the Trojans went to Muscatine in a blow-out win over the Muskies. Wallace threw 8 times completing all eight for 218 yards and 3 touchdowns and running in one touchdown. Mason Woods ’25 had a breakout game with three catches, 152 yards and two touchdowns. Manson cleaned up on defense with eight and a half tackles.
In week four, the Trojans went head-to-head in the battle for the boot against City High. The whole game was back-and-forth, but Ethan Headings ’26 put the Trojans ahead at the half with a big touchdown catch from Wallace, who went 13/17 for 237 yards and another three passing touchdowns. Woods had two more touchdowns, with 157 yards. Manson had nine and a half tackles with a touchdown catch, but the Little Hawks won.
In week five, Ankeny hosted the Trojans in an uphill battle. Ankeny took over in the first half, putting up 24 points. Wallace brought the team back into the game, throwing 23/38 for 292 yards. Eight of those completions were to Woods, who had 87 receiving yards for two touchdowns. The Trojans struggled on defense, but Manson ended with 10.5 tackles. Ankeny won 38-22.
The Trojans head into the latter part of the season with four more games on their regular season schedule. This week, they take on Jefferson for homecoming week. They play Cedar Rapids Washington, Pleasant Valley and Cedar Rapids Prairie in weeks seven, eight and nine.
These upcoming games are a big deciding factor in whether they make the state playoffs. “We’ve shown sparks in offense, defense and special teams, but haven’t put them, all together in one game. Once that happens we’ll have a full head of steam and we can play anybody in the state,” Manson said.
