Dodgers compete, but late run keys Knights win

The rushing minded Dodgeville football team hung around for the better part of three quarters Friday before the host New Glarus Knights pulled out a 27-6 win.

The Dodgers rolled over the new turf at the Glarner Knights stadium for 174 yards, 50 by Aiden Duran on 11 carries and the one Dodger touchdown.  That came at the 2:20 mark of the first quarter when Duran blasted up the middle for 20 yards and the score.  They two point conversion attempt fell short.

Jack Graber ran the ball a dozen times for 50 yards, Griffin Busch added 37 on eight attempts and Nathan Johnson picked his way for 20 yards on eight attempts.  Quarterback Jaxson Jabs picked up 21 on four tries.  Harper Olson had two carries for a yard.

Jabs threw eight times for 18 yards, completing two. Busch had one catch for five yards and Olson had 13 yards also on one grab.

The Glarner Knights scored four time. Milo Johnson, who had 154 yards on 14 tries, scored twice.  Grady Johnson and Luke Burton had the other two New Glarus runs for scores.

The Knights ran 35 plays for 302 yards on the ground and passed for 51 more, completing six of 10 attempts.

Dodgeville coach Matt Staver felt the Dodgers were playing well until the Knights broke for a couple scores.

“Things went well until late in the game when they put together a couple drives,” Staver said. “We played a strong, competitive game for three-plus quarters. Late, New Glarus was able to string a couple drives together by capitalizing on a few mistakes and sustaining their effort. For us, it really comes down to finishing — getting that key stop or first down when the game is in the balance. We were right there, and it was still a one-score game into the fourth, so we’re learning how to close those moments out”.

With the running game the main focus the running backs are called upon to do the majority of the offense.  Staver is happy with their approach.

“Our backs continue to run with great effort – they ran hard, broke a few tackles in key moments, and moved the chains for us,” Staver said. “Each week we hope to see improvement in their vision and physicality as they develop trust in our scheme. It’s a big part of why we’ve been able to stay in every game. “

To get to where they want to be the Dodgers have to perfect a few things.

“The next step is depth, consistency, and finishing,” Staver said. “We’ve shown we can play with anyone for three quarters — now it’s about maintaining that same effort and execution for the entire game.” 

“We’re working on building depth so more kids can contribute, and we’re working on controlling momentum when opportunities to take the lead or close a game present themselves,” Staver added.

Staver is seeing progress with how the Dodgers adapt to the physicality of the game.

“I’m proud of how we continue to battle,” Staver said.  “Our goal early on was to be competitive, and we’ve accomplished that in each of the first three games. These kids show great resolve, and while the wins aren’t here yet, the progress is real. If we keep stacking days and finishing plays, we’ll get there.”

The Dodgers host the Brod-head/Juda Cardinals Friday for Youth Night.

“Brodhead/Juda is always a physical, disciplined team,” Staver said. “They’ll be hungry, so we expect their best effort. For us, it’s about matching that intensity, taking care of the football, and continuing to build confidence in our scheme. If we play four full quarters with the same fight we’ve shown, we’ll give ourselves another chance to compete.”