Haxtun picks up win over DS; improves undefeated record to 5-0

They're on a roll - the Haxtun Bulldogs secured a Plains League win over Dayspring Christian on the road last week to improve to 5-0. The Bulldogs remain the only Plains League team to be unbeaten so far this season.

Both teams remain scoreless as each defense held their opponents out of the endzone throughout the first quarter but just five minutes into the second, Haxtun's #7 Kyle Fryrear found an opening into the endzone with an eight yard run to put the Bulldogs on the board first. The Bulldogs fell short on the two-point conversion but held an early lead.

Dayspring Christian answered back shortly after with their own rushing touchdown to even things out as six. The scoreboard remained the same as the Bulldog defense denied the two-point attempt after. With just over 30 seconds left before half time, senior Isaac Andersen punched in a one-yard run to put his team back on top midway through the contest. Haxtun held a 12-6 advantage at the half.

The Bulldogs improved their lead by eight in the third with another Andersen touchdown. This time he also added the two-points after to give the Bulldogs a 26-0 lead.

Defensively, the Bulldogs had an impressive second half showing, holding Dayspring scoreless throughout the final 24 minutes. With no time left on the clock, senior quarterback Owen Knode connected with Fryrear for a final six points to secure the 26-6 win on Friday afternoon.

"Our defensive coach had a great game plan and the boys executed that plan great," said JD Stone, Bulldogs Head Coach. "We held a potent offense that had been averaging 48 points to six. "The offense didn't have its best day, but this resilience group kept grinding and still put up some good numbers."

Knode, in the quarterback position, connected with eight of 12 passes for a total of 137 yards in the air on Friday afternoon. Michael Gerk also tallied one pass for 32 yards. Fryrear was on the receiving end of four passes for a total of 85 yards. Gerk caught three passes for a total of 65 in the air.

On the ground, Andersen led the Bulldogs with 104 rushing yards from 24 carries and two touchdowns. The senior averaged 4.3 yards per carry in Greeley. Gerk carried the ball 14 times for 63 yards; an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Knode kept the ball five times, registering 23 yards on the ground.

Four Bulldogs tallied double-digits in tackle stats led by Andersen with 15. He tallied eight solo and seven assisted. Kailin Kelley totaled four solo and nine assisted blocks for a total of 13 followed by Knode with 11 and Gerk with 11. Knode earned his 11 with six solo and five assisted tackles. Gerk brought down five on his own and assisted with another five. Osman Coss registered one sack on the Dayspring Christian quarterback.

"Dayspring is a hard place to win, so it is always great to come home with a W from Greeley," Stone said.

This week the Bulldogs are set to host the Rams from Merino under Friday night lights at Adam Wernsman Field. According to Maxpreps, the Rams are currently 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the Plains League. Merino won their first out this season, a contest with Pikes Peak Christian, but fell the following two to Mancos and Sedgwick County. The team recently defeated the Lyons Lions on the road.

"We have struggled with Merino the past few years, we have to clean up a few thing and play a clean football game to have a chance," said Stone.