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One thing about a game of competition that plays into the outcome most often is the thing you cannot coach.
Momentum.
That played heavily into a lopsided loss to New Glarus/Monticello last Friday in a season ending SWC game for the Dodgeville Dodgers. The Knights were able to score often and took down the Dodger 40-0.
The momentum the Knights were able to muster was huge according to Dodgeville first year coach TC Smith.
"Momentum was a huge factor in this game," Smith said. "New Glarus got it early and we struggled to get back and get anything going."
It happened fast and early for the Knights. Sophomore quarterback Max Marty tossed a pass to AC Strok who then executed a hook and ladder that went to Nate Brandes who sprinted the sidelines for a quick six points. Eli Zimmerman then kicked the first of three conversions to send the score to 7-0.
The Knights tried the same thing their next possession that netted a few yards but no score.
Five minutes later Marty connected with Ethan Friedrich for a 40 yard jaunt to the end zone. The try for point was blocked by Lacardar Walker.
The Knights put up another score in the second quarter on a run by Marty. With 2:19 left before half. Marty passed to Friedrich again for a 62 yard score and a 27-0 halftime lead.
The Knighs added a touchdown on a one yard plunge by Brandes in the third frame then finished it off late in the same period on an eight yard run by Reid Righter.
"Their efficiency made it very difficult for our linebackers to read and react with the play action passes," Smith said. "They do a nice job of finding holes in the zone and move down the field."
Besides the scoring the Knights also made it tough on the Dodger offense with how they defended.
"They did a great job at getting pressure and not letting Garrett get time to throw or for us to really get a run game going" Smith said.
That was the final game of 2021 for the Dodgers who battled all year with small numbers and did not qualify for the playoffs. Smith felt there were some strides made that he hopes pays off in the future.
"I think this season our biggest accomplishment was what we set out to do day one," said Smith. "And that was is to bring some excitement and energy to the program. We proved we can compete with good teams and make things interesting. The record doesn't show the progress we made as a whole unfortunately with low numbers being the main factor to that. But hopefully we can continue to improve and create a new culture towards Dodgeville football. We really need to continue the habit we created with the weight room this season and work on getting more kids to buy into our system."
Smith also said he appreciates the contributions from the seniors who stuck with it.
"Unfortunately for the seniors we fell short of our goals. However, Garrett Busch, Grant Roh, Dillon Garthwaite, Brighton Judd, Harrison Helen, Jacob Hlavac, Drake McVay and Eddy Meudt all should be recognized for the work they have put in and their attitude towards this season and the program the past four. It's difficult to stick it out for all four years when there is limited success. Their dedication to program and their work ethic are the kinds of things this program needed to turn in the right direction. I can't say enough about how proud I am of our seniors for battling through adversity and making this a very memorable and fun season. They were a blast to coach and I'm hoping the standard they set for themselves and expected of the underclass men will continue to help turn this program around."