Bulldogs run over Dibble, 34-14, in season opener
Tucker Halstead had two touchdowns on the ground in Minco’s 34-14 victory over Dibble on Friday.
By Jon Watje
Managing Editor
Not many knew what to expect from this year’s Bulldogs team after the departure of several seniors at crucial positions.
But with one game under their belt, there is no doubt this Minco football team is as resilient as any in the past.
The Bulldogs traveled to Dibble on Saturday and scored 34 unanswered points until the Demons scored late in the game as Minco won 34-0. The game was never in question.
“It was back and forth early in the game and neither team could really get it in the end zone,” said Minco Coach Brock Wardlaw. “The third quarter is where we got things going.”
Senior Tucker Halstead got the Bulldogs on the board first in the first quarter with a 15 yard run for a touchdown to put Minco up 7-0. Halstead would score again on another 15 yard run right before halftime as Minco led 13-0 at the break.
“Tucker looked really good for us,” Wardlaw said. “Our offensive line is much smaller and younger than in years past, but we are improving.”
Minco came out strong in the third quarter, scoring on their opening drive.
The Bulldogs’ defense looked very sharp, forcing four turnovers. One of those was a fumble recovery for a 45 yard touchdown the other way by junior Garrett Jones.
At the end of the third quarter, Minco was in total control with a 34-0 lead.
In the fourth quarter, younger players got some playing time.
“Just about everyone got to play in this game,” Wardlaw said. “Dibble scored two touchdowns late in the game.”
One of the big questions was the quarterback position. Senior Shannon Williams had a productive game for the Bulldogs at the helm of the offense, completing a couple passes and not turning the ball over.
“He played really well,” Wardlaw said. “He didn’t throw it too much, but he did a lot of good things for us.”
The Bulldogs will now prepare for their homecoming game against powerhouse Ringling on Friday.
“Ringling is always good and they are big and physical,” Wardlaw said. “They are going to try to run the ball right at us and they will be a good challenge for us.”
