Dodger Braxton Staver finds an opening and uses his speed to return this kick-off for a touchdown. Heather Olson photo.
Not one, not two but three schools combine for a tri-op and play in the SWAL. Known as Benton/Scales Mounds/Shullsburg the tri-op was Dodgeville’s draw for a crossover match last Friday.
The tri-op has to give a football program more choices from teams who play all other sports in the Six Rivers has to move up to the SWAL for football.
Benton/Scales Mounds/Shullsburg has been having a solid season and were fresh off a double overtime win over Fennimore and brought that confidence into the Dodger stadium. When it was over BSM had a hard fought win 30-21.
When all was said and done the visitors ran 54 plays to 38 for the Dodgers. That extra time of possession played into the win.
“Those extra plays definitely wore on us, Dodgeville coach Matt Staver said. “BSMS controlled the clock with their ground game, and we were on the field too long. We need to be better at getting stops, staying in position and controlling the line of scrimmage.”
Add in a large size difference and it was a night the Dodgers had a lot to battle through.
“Their size was a factor, especially up front,” Staver pointed out. “They were physical and very sound with their scheme. We have to match that better with leverage, positioning and toughness at the line of scrimmage.”
The Dodgers did find ways to score with perhaps the most electrifying being a long kick off return for a score that spanned 80 yards. Staver has been a leader this season along with Griffin Busch and Jaxson Jabs.
“The kick return was a huge play, and he, Griffin and Jaxson Jabs continue to be strong senior leaders who give us everything they have each and every night,” Staver pointed out. Freshman Finley Olson and junior Harper Olson who are cousins ran for the other two scores. Finley added a two point conversion run.
BSMS got tallies from Connor Doyle who ran in three scores, Brady Ubersox who crossed the line with one and Gaige Stocks who took in a pass from Matthew Duerr. Maddox Russell kicked an extra point.
What did the Dodgers take away from the game?
“We competed, but we hurt ourselves at key times,” Staver said. “The turnover, short drives and untimely penalties were big swings. We have to clean those things up and keep improving.”
Defending champion Prairie du Chien invades Dodgeville Friday for the featured Homecoming game. The Blackhawks are giving it another run this season and the Dodgers hope to stand in their way.
“Prairie du Chien looks very strong again,” Staver says. “They can run the ball well and have put up big numbers throwing it, so we will need our best effort. With homecoming distractions, our focus and preparation will be important.”
