Thunder defense sets tone in win

It was clear Saturday afternoon at the Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium that the Trine defense was out to send a message to Alma.

The Scots went three-and-out on their opening possession and when they tried to punt, Trine blocked the kick and Louis Danesi fell on the ball in the end zone for a Thunder touchdown just 1:04 into the game.

However, Trine's offense wasn't quite in sync in the first half.  Quarterback Eric Watt would have to leave the game in the second quarter with a mild ankle sprain but he would return in the third quarter.  Meanwhile, Ryan Hargraves filled in under center and connected with Paul Curtis with 11 seconds left before the half to put Trine up 17-0 after two quarters.

With Watt back in the game after halftime, Cody Nash-Kniffen hauled in a 7-yard score to put Trine up 24-0.

The defense would put more points on the board in the third quarter when Nathan Denton recoverd a fumble in the end zone for a Thunder touchdown.

Hargraves would add a 42-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter as Trine racked up 478 yards of total offense in the win.

The Trine defense had an interception, two fumble recoveries, four sacks, a blocked punt and two touchdowns for the game.

The Thunder are back in action next Saturday when they travel to Hope.