The Troll Trophy is a rather unassuming piece of hardware. In fact, itıs so unassuming that it seems more likely to be the result of some artistıs crazy foray into nymph mythology than a valued representation of victory. Yet, this furry little creature has found a place of honor in the Manitou Fieldhouse trophy case.

Whatıs the reason, you may ask? Well, in case youıre unaware, the Troll is awarded each year to the winner of the St. Olaf vs. Concordia-Moorhead College football game.

And for the first time since 1993, the Troll will call St. Olaf home, the result of Saturdayıs dramatic 27-24 come-from-behind victory over the Cobbers in Moorhead. "Walking across the field to get the Troll, it was an awesome feeling," commented junior tight end Marc Davies. "Itıs one of the most unique trophies Iıve ever seen."

Junior wide receiver Jake Rath agreed, adding "Winning the game and taking the Troll back to Olaf made the bus trip a lot easier."

And what a game it was. The Cobbers played with inspiration and determination following a 60-21 drubbing at the hands of Bethel the previous week. After sprinting out to a 21-0 lead early on, things changed. Following the third touchdown, the Ole defense stiffened, holding the Cobber offense to only 44 total yards in the second half and 324 for the game.

"They executed some big plays in the first half," said Rath. "But our defense really stepped up, especially in the second half during our rally."

Yet despite an inspired defense and a balanced offensive attack engineered by first-year quarterback Brian Senske, the Oles found themselves trailing 24-19 with just over two minutes remaining and holding the ball on their own one yard line.

What followed could be best described as an "Elwayesque" march down the field, culminating in Senskeıs 12-yard touchdown pass to junior wide out Steve Ryan with 20 seconds remaining. "We made big play after big play on the drive," said Rath. "We played confidently when it counted most." Sophomore Neal Olson made two key receptions during the sequence. Rath also came up big, with a 30-yard catch that helped set up the eventual game winning score. "Each one of those plays was absolutely huge," said Davies. "We didnıt think twice about not scoring."

Junior Manny Spreigl, who rushed for 101 yards on 25 carries, added the two point conversion, giving the Oles the game, the Troll, and an amazing memory to savor.

"It was a lot of fun to be a part of," said Rath. "But now we have to look ahead and take care of business this week."

The Oles, now sittting at 5-2 (4-2 MIAC), find themselves in a three-way tie for second place in the conference with the University of St. Thomas and Gustavus Adolphus College. And with winless Macalester College coming to town this Saturday, the Oles are primed and ready to go for number six.

But donıt discount the Scots just yet. Macalesterıs senior quarterback Aaron Quitmeyer is coming off a 300 yard plus passing effort against St. Thomas, and his receivers Ty OıConnell and David Shumacher are among the conference leaders in receptions and yards.

Defensively, the Scots feature sophomore defensive end Andrew Porter, one the leagueıs most talented defensive players.

Yet, the Oles are brimming with confidence heading into the Macalester game. "We know that we have a good chance of winning each of our remaining games," said Rath. "But we also canıt underestimate a team like Macalester."

Nevertheless, the Oles are in position to put themselves among the conference elite with a victory on Saturday. And with the Gustavus game right around the corner, this Saturdayıs game takes on an even more important role.

But whatever the result on Saturday against Macalester, the Troll is back at Olaf, and we may be seeing him for quite awhile. For as Davies said, "The Troll is far too cool to only stay a year." Hopefully, weıll all be able to convince the Troll to stay in the loving arms of Manitou Fieldhouse for years to come.