By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

ROSSVILLE – It was a winning road trip for the Troup Tigers, who overwhelmed a strong Ridgeland team 32-0 on Friday night.

Troup dominated the game in every way imaginable to open the season in impressive fashion.

Ridgeland, which lost to Calhoun in its season opener, fell to 0-2.

Ridgeland went 11-1 last season, while Troup was 9-3.

“That was a very hostile environment. It was kind of like a playoff game up here,” Troup head coach Tanner Glisson said. “And so it was a real good test for our guys, and we answered the bell. All in all it was a good night, especially the defense.”

Glisson showed how much confidence he has in his defense when he called for a fake punt early in the game.

The fake-punt attempt failed, and Ridgeland took over deep in Troup territory.

The Panthers were unable to get any traction offensively, though, and they were stuffed on a fourth-down play.

In the second quarter, Troup’s defense found its rhythm.

Midway through the second quarter, Kobe Hudson found Jamari Thrash for a touchdown pass of about 18 yards.

Kevin Martin ran the ball in for the two-point conversion, and Troup led 8-0 with 7:46 left in the first half.

With 2:40 to play in the half, Hudson threw a touchdown pass to Trae Mitchell, and Helsyn Martinez made the extra point to give Troup a 15-0 lead.

In the third quarter, Hudson ripped off a touchdown run of about 60 yards, and the extra point gave Troup a 22-0 cushion.

Martinez made a field goal late in the third quarter, and Troup led 25-0.

Jamari Thrash thought he’d scored on a punt return in the fourth quarter, but an illegal block penalty was called at the 1-yard line.

The Tigers scored anyway, with Tyree Carlisle taking it in for a 3-yard touchdown run, and the Martinez extra point capped the scoring.

Troup will make its home debut on Thursday when it hosts Columbus.

OF NOTE: For much more on Troup’s win, see Monday’s sports section.