Turpin 34, McNicholas 7

The Turpin Spartans hosted the McNicholas Rockets in a backyard rivalry game this week. Both teams came in to the contest with a 2-0 record, but Turpin was able to remain perfect as they defeated McNicholas 34-7. Due to inclement weather on Friday night, the game was postponed during halftime, and the second half was rescheduled to be played Saturday at 6:30 pm.

During the first half, after an interception by Turpin defensive back Jake Hambene, the Spartan offense right went to work. Senior dual-threat quarterback Connor Jansen found wide receiver Bobby Calder for a 34-yard gain, followed by a 29-yard run by Jansen several plays later to give Turpin the first points of the game. Jansen was wrapped up near the goal line, but fell on top of the McNicholas defender, giving him the ability to get up and run the last few yards into the end zone for the Spartan touchdown.

McNicholas struggled to capitalize on their first half drives, but managed to get across the goal line towards the end of the half when quarterback Austin Ernst threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Luke Sulken.

At halftime, Turpin held a 20-7 lead over the Rockets. After a long halftime due to lightning delays, it was decided that the game would be continued Saturday night.

The Spartan defense picked up right where they left off in the second half, by forcing turnovers on three of the four McNicholas second half possessions. On the first series, it was senior linebacker Ben Versoza who handed possession back to his Turpin offense with a big interception followed by an impressive return.

On the following Rockets possession, defensive lineman Brad Kleier picked up a fumble by Ernst and returned it 45 yards for a Spartan touchdown.

Jeff Weber was the next Turpin defensive player to make the highlight reel by picking up another Ernst fumble and returning it to the 25-yard line, setting up Spartan quarterback Jansen to throw a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Spencer Singh to put Turpin ahead 34-7.

In week four, Turpin looks to continue their perfect season as they host Kings in the FSN Ohio Game of the Week. As for McNicholas, they head to Carroll and will attempt to start a new win streak.