KEWANEE WEATHER

Titans overwhelm Red Storm: A 42-8 statement win


By Kendall Vincent    September 23, 2024
Nic Thurston completing a catch surrounded by United defenders. [Photo by Kendall Vincent of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

The AW Titans delivered a stunning performance on the road, defeating the United Red Storm 42-8 in a decisive away game that highlighted their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.

The Titans jumped to an early lead, with quarterback Maddox Heitzler throwing for two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to read the field and connect with his receivers. 

One standout player for the Titans was junior Nic Thurston, receiving one pass and rushing to the end zone twice along with two successful 2-point conversions. 

Running back Devon Horrie complemented the passing game, rushing for over 100 yards and finding the end zone. 

The Titans’ offensive line provided excellent protection, allowing for explosive plays throughout the game.

Devon Horrie pushing through the Red Storm defense. [Photo by Kendall Vincent of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

By halftime, the Titans had run up the score to 35-0. 

Defensively, the Titans were a formidable force, shutting down the Red Storm’s attack. The aggressive defense made a significant impact on the game, leading to a unit that consistently pressured the United quarterback. 

Frequently, the Red Storm was getting caught too far away from their end zone to score, and the Titans were found taking over on downs a multitude of times. The Titans had upped their defensive game on Friday.

The Red Storm managed to score only once late in the fourth quarter, after struggling to gain momentum against the Titans’ relentless defense.

Head Coach Tony Gripp could not be more excited for his team.

“We finally played with some violence, trusted our keys, and played fast,” he said. “We still have everything to play for. We have to win to make the playoffs and we have to win to give our guys more opportunities to play that got injured early in the year.”

With this commanding victory, the Titans not only enhance hopes for a great season but also demonstrate their readiness to compete. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Titans are eager to carry this winning momentum forward.