It was a defensive battle on homecoming 2012 as the Troy defense held on for a hard-fought 8-6 victory against Jackson Heights in the 2-1A District opener for both teams.  In notching their first win of the season, the Trojans (1-4) overcame three turnovers and 60 yards in penalties, while being out gained 230 to 139 in total yards and ended the game with a tackle at the five-yard-line as time expired. 

Trailing 8-0, Caleb Niehues blocked a Troy punt which was returned 14 yards by Brant Morris with just over 6:30 to go in the game.  Jackson Heights capitalized going 36 yards in 6 plays as freshman backup fullback Adam Brey scored on a 5 yard run with 4:57 left.  However, the two-point try was unsuccessful on a Morris run and the Cobras still trailed by two.  Troy ran 9 plays but turned the ball over on downs at the 28 yard line and left 1:15 on the clock.  With no timeouts, the Cobras converted three long passes from Korby Strube to Nate Bryan including a reception in traffic at the Troy 5 yard line as time expired. 
Jackson Heights (now 3-2), looking for their first win against Troy since 2002, had five offensive drives that went at least 10 plays and marched inside the Trojan 35 yard line, but managed only one score on the night as their three game winning streak was snapped. 

After forcing a three-and-out to begin the game, Troy pieced together an impressive 16 play, 73 yard opening drive and took the lead on a 13 yard pass from Collin Jasper to Alex Schmille.  The two-point conversion pass to Jake Ross was good and Troy had an 8-0 lead with 1:26 to play in the first quarter.  It was only their fifth touchdown all season for Troy, but it was enough in week five to improve to 1-0 in district play.  Troy fumbled two of their initial three plays in the second half and ran 17 fewer plays than Jackson Heights in the game.  

Nate Bryan was named the Citizens State Bank and Trust Company of Hiawatha "Player to Bank On," as he had a defensive interception and fumble recovery and also caught all three Jackson Heights completions for 64 yards on the final drive on the game.  

The Cobras travel back to Doniphan West in week six for another DVL and District game, while Troy looks to build off the emotional win as they host Valley Heights next Friday.