UL Monroe secured a hard-fought victory against Troy with a final score of 13-9 during their Sun Belt Conference opener on Saturday night. The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Ahmad Hardy scored the only touchdown of the game, concluding an impressive 75-yard drive with a 1-yard run, leaving just 9:08 on the clock. Troy was unable to gain a first down in their remaining two possessions.
Ahmad Hardy stood out with 94 rushing yards on 26 carries, playing a crucial role in UL Monroe’s offensive efforts. Max Larson contributed to the team’s scoreboard with successful field goals from 42 and 20 yards. Aidan Armenta showcased his passing skills by completing 4 out of 6 attempts, accumulating 108 yards for the Warhawks.
On the opposing side, Scott Taylor Renfroe was instrumental for Troy, securing three out of four field goals. Renfroe managed successful kicks from 37 and 49 yards in the first half and added a 36-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, temporarily giving Troy a 9-6 lead. Despite a strong performance from Renfroe, Troy was unable to maintain their lead against UL Monroe.
Gerald Green led the ground game for Troy, amassing 102 rushing yards, while Damien Taylor added 71 yards, allowing the Trojans to outgain the Warhawks with 201 yards on the ground. Overall, Troy also had a slight edge in total offense, finishing with 25 more yards than UL Monroe at 272-247.
The game proved to be a closely contested matchup between the two teams, showcasing strong performances on both ends. UL Monroe’s victory marked a successful start to their Sun Belt Conference campaign, while Troy will aim to bounce back in upcoming games.