Bulldogs Secure Playoff Spot

The Milbank Area Bulldogs dominated the Sisseton Redmen 51-0 in high school football action Friday, October 14, at AB Campbell Stadium. The Dawgs improved to 6-2 on the season and secured a first round playoff berth.

“I am happy with the way we came out and played with energy and effort,” stated Bulldog head coach Jeremy Tostenson. “I am excited to see our guys reach their goals of getting into the playoffs, but now we need to finish the season strong.”

On the Bulldogs’ first offensive play of the game, Jacob Karges found an open hole and ran to the house for a touchdown. Jonny Ash’s extra point kick was good, giving Milbank Area the 7-0 lead just seconds into the game.

After a defensive stance and a quick three and out by Sisseton, the Bulldogs had another chance at the end zone. The efforts of Cole and Cody Dockter moved the yard markers down field on two consecutive first downs. Tanner Gauer broke free, but was pushed out of bounds at the one-yard-line. On the next play, Gauer dove over the goal line for another Bulldog touchdown. A second successful kick by Ash gave Milbank Area a 14-0 advantage midway through the first period.

The Dawgs’ defense was relentless. Derrick Aho intercepted a Redmen pass and returned it to the red zone. Ash quickly connected with Cody Dockter for the 15-yard touchdown. The extra point kick failed, but Milbank Area remained ahead 20-0.

Cody Dockter sacked the Sisseton quarterback on back-to-back plays forcing the Redmen to punt for the second time in the opening quarter. Aho then returned the punt to the 19-yard-line and Milbank Area was within striking distance again. Three plays later, Karges scrambled into the end zone for a 15-yard TD. Ash’s kick failed, but Milbank Area held a solid 26-0 lead with four minutes left in the first quarter.

Sisseton was again forced to punt after a three and out and Milbank Area’s offense headed back on the field. Ash found Nate Bien on a long pass, but it was a fumble and Sisseton recovered it. The Bulldog defense stepped up, though, and destroyed the Redmen’s plans. The Dawgs took over on downs at the 39-yard line as the first quarter ended.

Milbank Area soon faced a third and 10. Cole Dockter broke free and scrambled to the 40-yard line and Jake Anderson hit paydirt as he ran around the right side into the end zone for a score. The two-point conversion was no good. The Bulldogs held a 32-0 lead with 10:45 left in the first half.
Sisseton attempted to put together an offensive drive together, but Riley Wollschlager intercepted a Redmen pass. Milbank Area took the ball back on their own 36. Cole Dockter ran the ball down to the Sisseton 25, before his brother, Cody Dockter, caught a 20-yard pass from Ash for another Bulldog touchdown. Ash’s kick went through the uprights to increase the margin to 39-0.

Sisseton was again unable to mount an offensive drive and was forced the punt the ball. A high punt gave Milbank Area a short field advantage near midfield. Ash faked out the Redmen defense and threw a long bomb to Cole Dockter who caught the ball and ran into the end zone for a score. The PAT failed and at the end of the first half, Milbank Area led 45-0.

Sisseton received the ball to start the second half. A quick three and out for the Redmen forced them to punt and Milbank Area got the ball on their own 42. A few plays later, Karges again found the end zone on a 34-yard TD run to secure the victory for the Dawgs at 51-0. The game ended based on the mercy rule.

Ash went 6-8 passing for 92 yards and three touchdowns. Karges led the ground attack with 110 yards on four carries and three touchdowns. Gauer tallied 87 yards rushing on 11 totes and one score and Cole Dockter added 69 yards rushing on five carries, one catch for 42 yards, and a TD. Anderson had one carry for 40 yards and a TD. Cody Dockter added 50 yards on four receptions and two touchdowns.

On the defensive side, James Weber led the Dawgs with seven tackles. Anderson followed with five and Zach Angerhofer and Koben Huber added four each. Cody Dockter tallied three tackles and two quarterback sacks and R. Wollschlager also had three tackles. Taran Mogard finished with two tackles. Cole Dockter, Karges, Tanner Kettwig, and Ethan Paysen had one each. Kettwig was also credited with a QB sack. Aho and R. Wollschlager had one interception apiece.

Milbank Area racked up 398 yards of total offense on 92 yards passing and 398 yards rushing. Sisseton finished the game with 41 offensive yards – 12 passing and 29 rushing.

The Bulldogs host Madison in their final game of the regular season Thursday, October 20, at 7 p.m. at AB Campbell Stadium. The final game will also honor the senior players, cheerleaders, and their parents prior to kickoff.

The Dawgs await the final standings to determine the details of the first round playoff game. First round games are scheduled for Thursday, October 27.