Bulldogs Beat the Bearcats 41-3

Milbank annihilated Webster 41-3 on the Bearcat’s home field on Friday, October 8. The Bulldogs chalked up 353 total yards –183 rushing and 170 passing. They held the Bearcats to a meager 85 yards — just 11 yards rushing and 74 passing.

Webster got on the scoreboard early and first. They snagged an interception and turned it into three points with a field goal. They led 3-0, but the thrill did not last long. The Bearcats continued to hit a wall of defense and stalled out while Milbank rattled off 21 points in the first half.

Ryker Trevett scored the first touchdown for the Bulldogs on a 33-yard run. Quarterback Kaden Krause connected with junior Eli Johnson on a five-yard pass for the second.  Sophomore Jayden Johnson did the heavy lifting for touchdown number three.  He pirated the ball from Webster and headed home, but was taken down just short of the goal at the four-yard line. Krause sneaked it into the endzone and the Dawgs were up by another six points. 

When it was kicker Michael Karges’ turn, he more than proved he can score. He booted all three extra-point kicks through the posts and added two more in the second half.

The Bulldogs began the second half with the score at 21-3 and started adding insurance points. Karson Weber caught a 36-yard pass from Krause for touchdown number four, and Krause connected again, this time with junior Sawyer Gauer, from eight yards for touchdown number five.
Sophomore Garrett Mertens sealed the deal in the fourth quarter with the sixth and last touchdown of the night on a 23-yard jog.  Milbank opted to run for the extra points, but the two-point conversion failed. The points were moot, though, as Milbank’s victory was certain. The Bulldogs took it home at 41-3.

Krause had 135 yards passing on 10 of 16 completions. Mertens added another 35 yards on four of six completions.
Weber was the leading receiver at 80 yards on three receptions, including his touchdown. Gauer had five receptions for 45 yards, including his touchdown. 

Krause led the team in rushing. He put up 32 yards. Mertens added 23, junior Jackson Bohlen 15, and Weber had 14.

The defense had an outstanding night and Connor Bender led the pack with three tackles. Mertens, Bohlen, Weber, Gauer, Stevie Ash, Maddox Hanson, Jace Rufer, and J. Johnson all had two apiece. Kellen Hoeke, Carter Bowsher, junior Brayden Christensen, and Leyton Raffety each had one. J. Johnson was credited with the Dawgs’ lone interception and Bowsher recovered a fumble.

It was the third straight victory for the Bulldogs. They cling to hopes of postseason play as they approach the end of their regular season. To qualify, Milbank needs to move up from where they are now at No. 9  to No. 8 in Class 11A.  They take on the Redfield Pheasants this Friday night at 7 p.m. at A.B. Campbell Stadium in Milbank.