September 7, 2011

Wolves offense comes alive against DLB

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

Fresh off a 38-7 win over Des Lacs-Burlington last Friday afternoon,  Watford City is ready to open its home season football action this Friday as the Wolves host Lewis & Clark-Berthold.
Lewis & Clark is 2-0 on the season and it will be a big test for the Wolves, according to Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Fridley Field.
After opening its 2011 season with a loss to Heart River, Watford City saw a big improvement in their execution against DLB as the Wolves rolled over the Lakers. Against Heart River, the Wolves had seven turnovers and some crucial penalties. But against the Lakers, Watford City was turnover free and was only flagged for one five-yard penalty.
While Watford City’s offense racked up the yardage and touchdowns, the Wolves’ defense was also vastly improved in their second game of the season.
Defensively, Watford City only allowed 60 yards on the ground and 79 in the air against the Lakers which Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach says was a key to the win.
“The big difference on defense was being much more aggressive,” stated Fridley.
Offensively, the Wolves scored in every quarter and had several big pass plays in their win over DLB.
Two big pass plays from Lucas Nicholson to Tyler Bates for touchdowns in the first quarter set the tone early for the Wolves’ first win of the season. Watford City got on the scoreboard first with a 70-yard touchdown pass and then the pair hooked up again on a 60-yard strike to put the Wolves on top, 12-0, at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Nicholson scored on a one-yard run and then found Bates again, this time for a 34-yard touchdown completion, to give Watford City a commanding 24-0 halftime lead.
A seven-yard pass from Nicholson to Shawn Fulwider capped off a Watford City third-quarter scoring drive for the Wolves and a four-yard touchdown run by Austin Garmann in the fourth quarter put Watford City’s final points on the scoreboard.
“Lucas Nicholson had a nice game passing the ball going 10 of 18 for  234 yards,” stated Fridley. “And Tyler Bates had five receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, Shawn Fulwider, Daniel Marmon and Austin Garmann led the way for us”
Steven Bascom kicked the conversions on the last two scores while  DLB added a score in the fourth to make the final 38-7.
“We got better this week and played much better,” stated Fridley. “The big difference was the physical play that we got from everybody. We still need to get better, but it was a big turnabout from the first week.”
Individual Statistics:
Rushing: Austin Garmann, 13-61 yards; Jayden Grotte, 6-27 yards;  Lucas Nicholson, 10-26 yards; Cory Jones, 6-19 yards.
Passing: Lucas Nicholson, 10-18 for 234 yards.
Receiving: Tyler Bates, 5-187 yards; Shawn Fulwider, 4-47 yards; Brandon Stoker, 1-0 yards.
Interceptions: Shawn Fulwider, 1; Brice Brenno, 1.
Fumble Recoveries: Cole Rolfsrud, 1; Austin Garmann, 1.
Defensive Points: Shawn Fulwider, 24; Daniel Marmon, 22; Gus Nelson, 17; Austin Garmann, 17; Brice Brenno, 15; Tyler Bates, 14; Cole Rolfsrud, 11; Cory Jones, 11; Reid Brown, 9; Mitchell Liebel, 8; Nate Egeberg, 6; Jonathan Dunn, 5; Kalen Hartel, 5;  Shawn Connolly, 4; Jayden Grotte, 3; Joe Nelson, 2; Brandon Allex, 2; Shane Jorgenson, 1; Andrew Sampsel, 1; Keegan Thompson, 1.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER