Trenton Tigers run past Bronson Eagles 48-0

The Bronson Eagles’ football team came into Friday’s 48-0 loss against the Trenton Tigers with a long list of experienced players sidelined with injuries. Five starters were out for the Eagles. The Tigers were sporting a perfect record and had just returned starting running back Brandon Stone to the lineup. The Eagles were forced to start six freshmen to fill in for the injured players.
The Eagles’ fumbled the opening kickoff and the Tigers never looked back as Stone raced into the end zone for three touchdowns in the first six minutes.
Cedric Stokes added another pair of touchdowns for the Tigers in the first quarter on a 35-yard run and a 55-yard punt return for another score. The Tigers (5-0) took a quick 34-0 lead in the first quarter and left little doubt as to why they were undefeated coming into the game. The only mistake the Tigers made the first quarter was a bad snap from center on their fifth extra point kick attempt of the game.
The Eagles were unable to move the football on offense, as a strong Tigers defense held the Eagles in check the first quarter.
The second quarter did not get any easier for the Eagles as they were forced to punt on their five possessions.
The Tigers continued to add to their lead in the second quarter as quarterback Stephen Smith raced into the end zone on a quarterback keeper with just over 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Tigers fullback Leondre Mathis added another touchdown on a 41-yard run up the middle. The PAT put the score at 48-0 as the first half clock began to wind down.
The Eagles managed just one first down in the first half as quarterback Tyler Beauchamp hit Ben Landon for a 15-yard pass.
Tigers coach Andrew Thomas made a sportsmanlike move to start the second half by keeping his starters on the bench and sending out a host of reserve players.
Neither team could get into the end zone in the second half that was played under a running clock due to the mercy rule.
“Trenton is a very good ball team, I hope they win their District,” said Bronson coach Al Cooksey. “We didn’t quit and we didn’t feel sorry for ourselves.
“We came out in the second half and kept playing as these young first time starters began to get over their nervousness as the game went along. We just have to continue to work harder in practice and prepare for our next game.”
The Eagles fall to 0-5, but could be ready to finally break into the win column at home on Friday against a struggling Branford squad. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.