October 13, 2015

Watford City crushes Turtle Mountain 48-14

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

Watford City kept its hopes of making the Class AA football playoffs alive on Friday as the Wolves rolled over Turtle Mountain, 48-14.
The Wolves, who are now 3-4 on the season, will travel to Dickinson Trinity on Thursday. Watford City will need to defeat the Titans by 10 or more points in order to make the playoffs.
“Dickinson Trinity has a very good quarterback with quality receivers and we will be working hard this week on ways to get pressure on him and defend the pass,” states Justin Johnsrud, Wolves’ head coach. “I know the players will continue to work hard this week and be ready to play on Thursday. It is a must win game if we are to have any hopes of making the Class AA playoffs.”
Johnsrud is hoping the Wolves’ momentum from their 48-14 win over Turtle Mountain will carry over this week.
“The seniors, playing in their last home game, did a great job of leading us throughout the week,” stated Johnsrud. “Sometimes Homecoming Week activities can really affect practices and the game, but we had a great week of practice. We did not let those other activities become a distraction.”
Against Turtle Mountain, Watford City controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball with the Wolves scoring three of their touchdowns on big plays.
“Our offensive executed the game plan very well on Friday night,” stated Johnsrud. “Turtle Mountain had eight and sometimes 10 guys on the line of scrimmage and we had some very good success when we could get to the outside. Up front, our offensive line did a good job of down blocking and we got solid kick-out blocks from our lead backs.”
Watford City would score twice on their first two plays from scrimmage to take an early, 14-0, lead over the Braves.
Watford City would lead Turtle Mountain, 20-0, at the end of the first quarter before racking up 20 more points to lead the Braves, 40-0, at halftime.
“It was a good team win with all 11 guys doing their job and trusting that their teammates would do theirs,” stated Johnsrud.
The Wolves would score once more in the third quarter, while Turtle Mountain dodged the shutout as the Braves scored twice in the final quarter.
“Defensively, we played well,” stated Johnsrud. “Our young players are growing into very physical football players. We struggled a little against the pass with most of their yardage being gained with our younger players in the game in the fourth quarter.  It was good for those guys to get some varsity playing experience.”
Watford City rushed for 363 yards in the game, while holding the Braves to 92 rushing yards and 179 passing yards.
Kyle Cook scored three touchdowns for Watford City as he scrambled for 145 yards on six carries, while Brandon Sandvik carried the ball six times for 77 yards and one touchdown. Jaydn Ewing ended the game with two touchdowns as he carried the ball seven times for 110 yards.
                                  1st    2nd    3rd    4th    Final
Turtle Mountain       0         0      0        0         14
Watford City          20       20      0        8         48

WATFORD CITY WEATHER