Bulldogs pick up gridiron win over Dayspring Christian Academy

The Haxtun Bulldogs remain the top team in the Lower Platte and unbeaten in the league following a 62-0 home win over Dayspring Christian Academy at Adam Wernsman Field on Friday night. Thus far, the Bulldogs have allowed only six points in league play while putting 180 on the scoreboard. Haxtun faces their final league opponent this week with a contest on the road against Sedgwick County.

The Bulldogs came out hot against the Eagles from Dayspring Christian Academy in the final regular season home game, marking this year's annual parents night celebration. Haxtun put 24 points on the board in the first quarter and another 14 in the second for a 38-0 half time lead over their Lower Platte League opponent.

Haxtun came out from half time adding another eight to the board in the third, which forced a running clock, and an additional 16 in the fourth for a final 62-0 victory. The win puts Haxtun 7-1 overall and 3-0 in league play.

"Even with the large margin, we played very sloppy football. We had a lot of missed assignments and penalties," Head Coach JD Stone said of Friday's contest.

Total, the Bulldogs received nine penalties for a total of 95 yards lost.

But there are many things the Bulldogs did well. "Coming into the game Friday, Dayspring's star running back was averaging 153 yards per game and 6.44 yards per carry," Stone said. "We held him to 26 yards on 15 carries for an average of 1.73 yards per carry."

The Bulldog defense held DCA to only 108 offensive yards while Haxtun's offense racked up 533 yards of their own.

Ryland Wolff completed three passes for 50 yards and one touchdown as quarterback. Colin Cone, who also took time under center, completed one pass for 42 yards.

Chase Goddard caught two passes for 79 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 39.5 yards per catch. Carter Lock and Grant Statz each caught one pass.

Grant Statz racked up 166 yards on the ground with 12 carries and three rushing touchdowns. He averaged 13.8 yards per carry. Cole Firme carried the ball four time for 102 yards and one touchdown. Zach Statz registered 113 yards off 14 carries and tallied one touchdown. Kanin Koberstein carried the ball once for a 21-yard touchdown.

Grant Statz led in tackles with a total of 13. He had eight assisted and five solo. Firme had 10 total tackles followed by Ryan Davis with eight, Seth Seger with six and Brandon Nall, who registered four.

According to Oct. 28 rankings released by the Colorado High School Activities Association, the Bulldogs hold the number one spot in 8-man action. McClave sits number two and Mancos holds the third spot. Akron, Simla and Byers, in that order, round out the top six. Others who hold top 10 honors include Dove Creek, West Grand, Springfield and Sedgwick County. Three 8-man teams remain unbeaten around the State including McClave, Byers and West Grand.

Sedgwick County, who sits 10th, is Haxtun's next opponent.

"As a team we have two major goals and the first one can be reached Friday with a victory," said Stone. "It would be our third League Championship in four years."

Stone said if the Bulldogs pick up a win over the now 4-4 Cougars on Friday, Haxtun will win the League Championship outright. Should the Bulldogs lose and Akron beats Merino the same night, Haxtun would still win the League. However, if Haxtun loses and Merino beats Akron, then Sedgwick County would take the League title this year.

"Sedg. Co. is always well-coached and we always get the best they have to offer so we better come out firing on all cylinders," said Stone.