Troy Withstands Fullerton’s Late Rally

Troy held off Fullerton’s fourth-quarter rally to win, 28-21, in a Freeway League game Friday night.

Kyion Grayes led the way for Troy (4-3, 2-0 in league), rushing for four touchdowns and 235 yards in 24 carries. His 32-yard touchdown run with just more than nine minutes left in the game was the clincher.

Fullerton (3-4, 0-2) scored two minutes later on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Justin Bruce to David Brookman.

After forcing Troy to punt, Fullerton took possession on its10-yard line with less than four minutes left in the game. On fourth and 11, Troy’s Steve Muther intercepted Michael Sailhamer’s pass to stop the Indians’ drive. The interception was Fullerton’s third turnover in the second half.

“We were fortunate enough to take advantage of turnovers,” Troy Coach John Turek said. The Warriors scored touchdowns (Grayes’ runs of three and 32 yards) to capitalize on the other turnovers.

“We gave them too good of field position” said Fullerton Coach Julian Smilowitz, whose team led at halftime, 14-7.

Fullerton scored first on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Bruce to Sailhamer to cap a five-play, 80-yard opening drive.

But Grayes set the tone for the game on the Warriors’ first play, sprinting for a 53-yard touchdown.

Bruce, who completed 14 of 20 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns, threw his second touchdown pass to Jeff Cody to cap the Indians’ second drive.

The Warrior offense had an opportunity to cut the lead but it had two clipping penalties in the final two minutes of the first half. Adrian Vargas’ 40-yard field-goal attempt hit the cross bar.

Troy’s defense sacked Bruce three times and gave up only 148 yards total offense after the Indians racked up 156 yards on their first two drives.

“We played a lot better defense,” Turek said. “It was just a matter of settling down and playing harder up front.”