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Those awaiting the outcome when Dodgeville played at Richland Center Friday got some free football.
It took overtime before the Dodgers were able to stage a comeback and hand the Hornets a 13-10 loss for thier first win of the SWC season. Setting now at 1-1 the win makes the rest of the games crucial in a quest for a play-off berth for the young Dodgers.
The Dodgers received to start the game and marched down the field in clockwork manor with senior running back RJ Veinberg reaching the end zone then adding the extra point for a quick 7-0 win.
But that was all the marching the Dodgers would do for awhile with the margin staying until Hornet senior quarterback Warrick Wolf chugged in for a score the second half and Bryce Hillers kicked the extra point for a 7-7 tie.
Again, that was it as the clock ticked off the minutes toward overtime.
The Hornets scored first on a Hiller field goal from the 25.
Dodgeville's turn came and they got the result they wanted. Sophomore quarterback Garrett Busch found senior wide receiver Jacob Buchanan in front of his defender in the right side of the end zone was lofted a strike and the winning score.
The win was a huge plus for the young Dodgers said coach Josh Busch.
"I would say the best thing about this besides the win was the kids hanging in there for all four quarters and the overtime," Busch said. "I thought that the kids did a great job of fighting for all four quarters and the overtime. We had opportunities early on offense to put some points on the board and did not, but the kids did not let that affect their effort the rest of the game. We played with confidence on both sides of the ball that I have not seen in our previous games. On both sides of the ball our lines controlled the game, it was great to watch them handle things up front."
With Veinberg no secret as the main Dodger ball carrier fellow senior Wiley Hilst was able to get more touches.
"Wiley did run the ball well," Busch said. "We worked all week on running with more vision and he did a nice job of applying that to the game. He got a few more chances because that was what the defense was giving us. That is also a credit to the offensive line for controlling the line of scrimmage so we get those opportunities."
With allowing only one late score and the overtime field goal the Dodgeville defense also did its job.
"I think that our defense has played pretty well for the last couple of games," Busch said. "Our linebackers and secondary have done a much better job of tackling as well. I think they are gaining some confidence in the way that they have been able to play the last couple of weeks and hopefully they will continue to improve as we move forward."
Last year the Dodgers, as well as most SWC teams, blew away the Hornets but they have become more competitive this season.
"RC is definitely improved," Busch said. "They were much more physical than they have been, and they also have some athletes that they have not had in the past."
Now, with the rest of the SWC in view, the Dodgers have their work cut out for them in their hunt for a play-off spot.
"I think this conference is pretty competitive top to bottom," Busch said. "There is not a night that you will not have to play well to win games. Adding Arcadia, Viroqua, and Wesbty brings an even more physical style game to the conference and it is exciting to be able to go out and compete each knowing that if you take care of yourself and play well, you can get a win."
Besides the usual prep work that goes into getting ready for the next test the Dodgers also have to handle Homecoming activities.
"Homecoming week is always tough," Busch said. "There are always distractions for the kids in a regular week with school, work, or social life, but Homecoming week those distractions get multiplied by about 10. We have had several conversations with the kids about staying focused and not letting a poor decision affect their ability to take the field on Friday night. I am pretty confident these guys are focused on making the playoffs and they will do a good job of staying focused on the game. I know they will go have fun, and they should, but I trust them to make good decisions."
"As for what Westby, they will be another physical team," Busch said. "They like to run the ball, but have good athletes at each position. Defensively they will be physical up front which will give us a tough test in the running game. They are also looking for their first win so I am sure that we will get their best shot."