Atlantic scored 15 points in the closing minutes and defeated Greene County 31-18 on Friday night at Linduska Field in Jefferson in the Class 2A District 9 football opener. The Trojans are 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the district while the Rams are 0-1 in district play and 1-2 overall. The two losses are both at home.

The Rams led 18-16 in the fourth quarter, but the Trojans, known for trick plays, used one effectively for a 32 yard gain the Rams seven and took it in from there to go up 24-18 after a two-point conversion pass. On the next drive, Bodie Johnson picked off a pass and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown and it was a 13 point lead for the Trojans. Grant Sturm intercepted on the next Greene County and Atlantic took a knee three times to run out the clock.

Greene County had three touchdowns, but no extra points due to issues with the snaps from center and the Trojans blocking two of the kicks. Zach Goff had a big game receiving with a 34 yard catch to set up the first scored for the Rams, and he caught a 26 TD pass to put the Rams up 18-16 late in quarter number three. Goff finished with 63 yards on those two receptions. Jackson Morton had TD runs in the first half of eight and nine yards, and he finished with 45 rushing yards on eight carries.

The Rams had 98 passing yards as Bryce Stalder went 5-11-2. Greene County ran the ball 34 times for 84 yards and had 182 total yards of offense.

Atlantic had 291 offensive yards with 227 on the ground and 64 through the air. Johnson rushed for 103 yards on 14 carries.