Bulldogs Dominate in Season Opener Under New Head Coach Thompson

The Bulldogs opened their 2024 football season with a landslide 55-0 victory over Lakota Tech High School from Pine Ridge on Friday, August 30. The game, played at A.B. Campbell Stadium in Milbank, marked the first win for MHS under new head coach Mick Thompson. The Bulldogs put on an offensive clinic and added a solid defense to set the tone for the weeks ahead.

Milbank quickly took control in the first quarter. Braylen Bowsher charged into the end zone with a two-yard run. Kicker Moises Luna nailed the extra point to put the Bulldogs up 7-0. Less than two minutes later, Tate Schlueter broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run, and Luna kicked it up and in to extend the Dawgs’ lead to 14-0.

As the first quarter picked up, the Bulldogs kept their scoreboard flashing. Bowsher connected with Sam Rick on a 36-yard touchdown pass, and Luna added the extra point. Bulldogs 21; Tatanka 0. The offensive onslaught didn’t stop there; Nolan Sheeley charged across the line in a six-yard touchdown run. Although he fumbled in the end zone, Emmett Hanson was quick to recover and secure the score. Luna’s kick put the Bulldogs up 28-0.

Milbank wasn’t finished yet. With five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Sheeley darted in for a 24-yard touchdown, and another on-target kick by Luna stretched the Bulldogs’ lead to 35-0. As the clock wound down, Bowsher added yet another two-yard run. Luna’s extra point completed a string of scores that amounted to a point made for every minute played in a marathon 42-minute first quarter.

Milbank continued to overpower Lakota Tech in the second quarter. Lance Engebretson launched a 42-yard touchdown pass to Bennett Hunt. Luna, once again, delivered a flawless kick to give the Bulldogs an even stronger 49-0 lead.

The game reached its climax as time ticked down to 4:26 in the third quarter. With the clock continuously running, Zack Karges put the cherry on top when he bolted 22-yards for a TD to invoke the Mercy Rule and clinch a 55-0 victory for the Bulldogs.

Keep up with The Valley Express for more Milbank Bulldogs football scores and news as the season unfolds.