Despite the absence of starting quarterback Jordan Ernst, the Dove Creek High School football team nearly pulled out a victory.
Two late touchdowns by Rangely proved to be the Bulldogs undoing, however, as Dove Creek lost at home, 12-8, on Sept. 5.
Replacing the injured Ernst with backup quarterback Shane Fury, the Bulldogs committed to running game, handing the ball off 48 times.
Receiving 25 of those handoffs was senior running back Chance Randolph, who rushed for 108 total yards. Also seeing numerous carries was junior Case Baughman, who rushed 17 times for 54 yards.
The absence of a consistent passing game hurt Dove Creek however, and eventually, the running attack stalled.
“Our running game was good in the first quarter,” said Bulldogs head coach Shane Baughman. “Then they figured out that we couldn’t throw the ball, and they put eight up on the line. Our running game stalled.”
The Bulldogs loan touchdown of the game came in the first quarter when Fury threw a screen pass to Randolph, who raced 59 yards for the score.
Rangely cut the Bulldogs lead to 8-6 with a third-quarter touchdown before scoring with two minutes left in the fourth quarter to take a 12-6 lead.
Although Dove Creek managed to drive the ball to the Rangely 30-yard line on its subsequent possession, the Bulldogs were unable to score before time ran out.
With the loss, Dove Creek improved to 0-2 on the year, while Rangely improved to 3-0.
Next up for Dove Creek will be a road matchup against Sangre de Cristo, which will take place in Mosca, Colo., on Sept. 12.