Parker finds the endzone twice in loss to Buckeyes

The Portage Collegiate Trojans fought hard in their home opener.

PCI fell 45-16 to the Miles MacDonell Buckeyes yesterday and now has a record of 1-2 so far this season. Head coach Brendon Brydges outlines what they would've liked to do better in this one.

"It was just mental mistakes today," Brydges explains. "They fought hard, right until the final buzzer. It was just the mental mistakes today that was the biggest issue."

Running back Kye Parker stole the show in spite of the loss, picking up two touchdowns on the ground. He also found the endzone a third time late in the game but the play was called back due to an illegal blocking penalty.

Jesse Mousseau and Tanner Hlady both had interceptions in the first half, with Hlady's leading to the first touchdown of the game. Brydges says even with the loss, the team showed a lot of heart in this contest.

"These guys refused to quit today. Even though they were down 21 points at the half, they were ready to go in the second half. They wanted to put up some points in the second half and kept fighting."

PCI will return home for their next contest as they try to get back to .500 against Murdoch MacKay, who started their season 0-2.

"We just have to get these guys to practice and get in reps, so we can master what we're trying to do at this point. We'll be trying to eliminate those mental mistakes."

The Trojans will return to PCI Field on Thursday, September 29 at 4:30.