Bulldogs Lose Opener in Double Overtime

The Milbank Bulldogs opened their 2018-2019 football season with a barn burner on Friday, August 24, at A. B. Campbell Stadium. Although the final score fell in Madison’s favor, fans were treated to non-stop action as Milbank competed head to head with an opponent considered to be one of the best in the state.

Defense was key. Milbank’s defense scored their only goal in regulation when Jacob Karges picked off the ball and returned it for an 82-yard touchdown and Madison grabbed four interceptions to add 69 yards to their “D.” Penalties also plagued both teams. Milbank committed five and Madison had six.

In the third quarter, starting quarterback, Jake Sandvig, was pulled from the game when he suffered cramping in both legs. First year varsity player and freshman Kaden Krause took the field to cover Sandvig’s position. After the game, Krause said, “Right away I was extremely nervous, but once I got the first couple of plays out of the way, it was just another game.”

Both teams rallied, but when the clock ran out at the end of four quarters, the score remained tied at seven to seven. The game headed into overtime.

Krause charged back onto the field and led the offense to the ten-yard line. From there, it took only one play for Milbank to score – a pass to receiver Max McCulloch in the end zone. The extra point was also good, and the Milbank Bulldogs pulled ahead at 14 to 7. But not for long. Madison still had their turn and they had an answer for both the touchdown and the extra point. The score again sat tied at 14 to 14.

The teams geared up for their second overtime. Penalties kept Milbank scoreless and, at the final horn, Madison took the game at 20 to 14. Senior and leading rusher, Jacob Karges, said, “A loss is a loss, there’s no way around that. We executed our game plan and just need to build on the positives that come from it.”

The Bulldogs play their first away game this Friday, August 31. They travel to Redfield-Doland to take on the Pheasants at 7 p.m. Stay tuned to The Valley Express for live updates.