Dawgs Chew Up the Tigers

The Milbank Bulldogs shut out the Groton Area Tigers at Groton’s Homecoming with a 17-0 victory on Friday, September 20. The win improves the Bulldogs’ record to 2-3.

Defense was key to the win for the Dawgs, according to head coach Adolph Shepardson. The defense forced a goal-line fumble and had a goal-line defensive stand when Groton was knocking on the door. “I thought we had a great night playing defense. We played it out hard on each down. We held Groton to 161 yards of offense. Our defense really was stout and held up well all night long,” he said.

Milbank scored twice in the first quarter. The Bulldogs found the end zone first on a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kaden Krause to senior receiver Max McCulloch. The extra point kick by Carlos Ramirez was good. Milbank took a 7-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, Ramirez was successful on a 25-yard field goal which increased the Bulldog lead to 10-0. The teams battled in the second quarter but neither found the end zone.

Milbank scored again in the third period on a two-yard touchdown run by McCulloch. The Ramirez kick was good again, which widened the gap to 17-0.

“I thought we struggled on offense,” Coach Shepardson said. “We were able to get 17 points on the board, but we need to play better offense going forward. We also had a great night on special teams. If you play well on defense and special teams, you will always have a good shot at winning the game. We are looking forward to playing Webster on
Homecoming.”

Milbank wrapped up the win with 247 yards of total offense. The Bulldogs earned 124 yards passing and 123 yards rushing. Groton finished the game with 66 yards passing and 95 yards rushing.

Krause was 6-12 passing for 124 yards. He connected for one touchdown. Dillon Schneck led the ground attack with 72 yards on nine carries. He also had one catch for 73 yards. Michael Karges carried the ball seven times for 26 yards and had one catch for five yards. JD Lusk added 22 yards on six totes, and Brodie Holtquist had seven yards on two carries. McColloch caught the ball three times for 31 yards and a touchdown. Will Cummins added 15 yards on one reception.

For the defense, Bennett Schwenn led the team with six tackles. Holtquist, Maddox Hanson, and Karson Weber followed with five tackles each. Ryker Trevett and Toby Schneck added four apiece. D. Schneck, McCulloch, Nick Ruhr, and Connor Bender had three each. D. Schneck also had a fumble recovery.

Milbank celebrates Homecoming on Friday, September 27. They host the Webster Area Bearcats. Kickoff is set for one hour earlier than usual – 6 p.m. – at AB Campbell Stadium. Prior to kickoff, the Bulldog seniors and their parents and the 2009 Milbank High School Football Championship Team will be recognized.

Photo – (l. to r.) Kaden Krause, Dillon Schneck, and Brodie Holtquist