Dodgers take down Cardinals for first win

Dodgeville’s football team earned its first win of the season Friday, coming from behind to take down Brodhead/Juda 41-28.

It was the first win for the Dodgers under the direction of first year coach Matt Staver.  The new head mentor felt the Dodgers earned what they got.

“We’re really happy for our kids,” Staver said. “We’ve been pushing and challenging them since day one, and they’ve consistently responded to adversity with fight and competitive spirit. To see them get rewarded with a win is special — it shows their hard work is paying off and gives us momentum as we keep building.”

Aiden Duran, senior running back for the Dodgers, was a force in the win, scoring three times, adding a two point conversion and gaining 149 yards on 15 carries.

The Dodgers also got a 60 yard dash to paydirt by Jack Graber to start their scoring, a TD run from Nathan Johnson and a pass play that resulted in a score from quarterback Blake Stodola to Andrew Hessling.

Johnson’s score came early in the second half and tied the game at 20.  Duran later got the Dodgers within two at 28-26 then put them ahead for good at 34-28. Hesseling’s grab put on the finishing touches.

Johnson finished the night with 80 yards and Graber ran for 73.

Stodola was two for four passing for 34 yards.

Part of the success for the Dodgers came from the line play. Staver said the work the line has been putting in is paying off.

“Our offense has been improving every week,” Staver said. “We made significant changes to our system, and it takes time to learn and execute it well. The offensive line did a great job creating space, and as our backs get more comfortable in the system, they’re able to play faster and hit those holes with confidence. It’s starting to come together and you can see the results.”

It took awhile but the Dodgers finally put the stops on the visiting Cardinals.

“They’re a tough team and had some big plays,” Staver said about Brodhead/Juda. “But we had a few key stops late and a takeaway that helped turn the tide. Defensively, we’re still pushing to be more aggressive and assertive. We want to play more downhill, and as our guys gain more confidence in the scheme, we believe that will come.”

The win signaled that the Dodgers are moving in the right direction as a program.

“We’re encouraged by our progress,” Staver said. “Each week the kids are becoming more comfortable, which allows them to play faster and with more confidence. There’s still plenty of growth ahead, but the effort and buy-in are exactly where we want them. This group is excited to keep competing and improving.

“Overall, we’re proud of how our kids battled,” Staver said. “It was a big step forward, and now the focus shifts quickly. Prairie du Chien is the reigning conference champion and a very strong opponent. We know they’ll be motivated, and we’re excited for the challenge Friday night”.