Had its defense played better, the Dove Creek High School football team would have won.
Plagued by missed tackles and missed assignments however, the Bulldogs were lit up, losing 66-42 to Sargent on Oct. 17.
With the loss, Dove Creek fell to 3-5 on the season, while Sargent improved to 4-4.
In all, the Bulldogs defense allowed Sargent to amass 636 yards of total offense and 499 rushing yards.
“It was a lack of discipline,” said Dove Creek head coach Shane Baughman. “We would put a blitz on or a defense on and the kids would go into the wrong gap. It’s concerning.”
Despite Dove Creek’s defensive struggles, the game remained close thanks to the Dove Creek offense, which accumulated 558 total yards.
Senior running back Chance Randolph rushed for 194 yards and one touchdown, while junior quarterback Jordan Ernst threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bulldogs were unable to mount a serious challenge however, falling behind 38-20 at halftime and 52-20 by the end of the third quarter.
“We had (558) yards and we lost the ball game,” lamented Baughman. “That’s always hard to take.”
Next up for the Bulldogs will be a home contest against Mancos on Oct. 24. The game will likely be Dove Creek’s final game of the season.
“I think as far as playoffs, we’re probably out,” said Baughman. “We would like to get a win to end the year.”