Bulldogs Tripped Up by Tri-Valley

Milbank’s home football game against Tri-Valley on Friday September 5, was only their second game of the season, so maybe the Bulldogs just need a little more time together to gel. You would even be correct in saying it was the Bulldogs’ first full game of the season as last week they defeated Lakota Tech in a short game with a big payoff – a 64-0 victory. This week, the Tri-Valley game lasted the full four quarters, but Milbank fell 34-0.

The Bulldogs have plenty of individual talent on their roster, but they struggled to put it together as a team against the Mustangs. They couldn’t quite find their groove or establish offensive unity. But there were moments of glory. Senior Carter Gloe had seven tackles – two sacks and four for a loss. Gloe also pressured the Mustangs into fumbling the football, and senior Micah Tostenson was there to recover it.  Earlier in the game, in the second quarter, Tostenson also robbed the ball from the Mustangs in a morale-boosting interception. 

In the second half, Senior Ryan Keeton  swooped in for another interception. Layten Osowski, also a senior, put up 10 good punts – many strategically maneuvered. He averaged 39 yards with his longest at 45 yards.

That’s just some of the praise the Dawgs deserve. Sophomore Bennett Hunt and junior Sam Rick each had six tackles. Osowski and juniors Ethan Seyer and Mason Allen each had four. Seniors Braylen Bowsher and Ethan Owen made three apiece. Tostenson, sophomore Lawson Novy, Keeton, and sophomore Max Scoular each made two. Junior Oliver Erickson and senior Hunter Reade had one apiece. Hunt, junior Jaxson Wiese, and sophomore Andrew Karels each hustled for an assist. Rick and  senior Esteban Obrego recorded two receptions apiece. Sophomore Zachary Karges led the Bulldogs with 12 yards rushing. Junior Lance Engebretson followed with eight.

MIlbank finished with 72 yards – 52 passing and 20 rushing. Tri-Valley accumulated 165 passing and 204 rushing for a total of 369. Milbank managed three first downs and Tri-Valley got 17. Tri-Valley fumbled three times and Milbank lost it once. Both teams threw two interceptions.

What’s next? The Bulldogs go on the road this Friday, September 12, to face their longtime rival the Groton Tigers. Kickoff is 7 p.m.