Wolves nip Lions
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Watford City’s defense bent, but it did not break as the Wolves’ defense made the big plays when they needed to against a very good Class AA Minot Bishop Ryan team last Friday evening.
In a defensive struggle, the Wolves shut down the Lions 7-0 after making one goal line stand and stopping the Lions twice within the red zone.
“The goal line stand, and our defense holding when Minot Ryan was in the red zone, were the keys to our win,” stated Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach.
Trey Jacobson’s 12-yard run late in the first quarter was the only touchdown of the game with Kalin Mogen adding the PAT to give the Wolves the win.
The Wolves had 316 total yards with Ryan having 219 total yards.
With the win, Watford City’s season record improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in Region IV.
“Offensively, we had some other opportunities to score, but we couldn’t finish some of our drives when we got deep into Ryan territory,” stated Fridley.
But Ryan also failed to score when they got deep into Watford City territory as well.
The Lions’ biggest threat came late in the third quarter when a 41-yard pass play got Minot Ryan to the eight yard line. But Watford City’s defense held, and after two running plays and two pass plays, the Wolves offense took over on their own three yard line.
“We controlled the ball most of the first half, but we may have gotten a little conservative, and Trey going out early in the third may have led to that,” stated Fridley. “On the defensive side, Karson Knudtson had the best game of his career with Kalin Mogen, Douglas Nordby, and Shawn Fulwider being the defensive leaders.”
Matching up against Minot Ryan early in the season was just the type of game that Fridley says the Wolves needed.
“It was the type of game we needed,” stated Fridley. “Facing a big line and a team that executed very well, we found what we need to improve on and the game will make us a better football team.”
This Friday, the Wolves will travel to Killdeer to take on the Cowboys in a key Region IV matchup with kickoff set for 8 p.m. (CDT).
“The Cowboys are coming off two big wins and are ranked in the top five in Class A in the state,” stated Fridley. “Again, we are facing a bigger team, and they have a lot of experience back from last year. They like to pound the ball right at you and use their size. We will need to play our best, and play up to their physical play.”
Individual Statistics:
Rushing: Brady Lund, 12-100 yards; Karson Knudtson, 13-57 yards; Nolan Kalberer, 5-28 yards; Trey Jacobson, 4-21 yards; Tyler Flatland, 1-3 yards; Nick Liebel 1-(-3 yards).
Passing: Trey Jacobson 6 of 14 for 113 yards; Lucas Nicholson 0 of 2.
Receiving: Shawn Fulwider, 3-60 yards; Tyler Flatland, 2-24 yards; Nick Liebel, 1-29 yards.
Fumble Recoveries: Karson Knudtson, 1.
Defensive Points: Karson Knudtson, 54; Kalin Mogen, 40; Douglas Nordby, 32; Shawn Fulwider, 31; Nick Liebel, 25; Tyler Flatland, 20; Trey Jacobson, 14; Nolan Kalberer, 12; Brady Lund, 11; Clay Billing, 10; Jake Thomas, 10; Douglas Rolfson, 4; Sterling Ross, 3.