August 25, 2015

Wolves to open football season Friday

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

Watford City football players got their first taste of action last Friday as the Wolves took on the Williston Coyotes in a scrimmage.
And according to Justin Johnsrud, Wolves’ head coach, the scrimmage definitely showed Watford City’s youth and inexperience.
“We had some mistakes with   bobbled snaps, missed blocking  assignments, and wrong alignments defensively,” stated Johnsrud. “All the things that you expect from a young team.”
But in spite of making some miscues, Johnsrud wasn’t all that disappointed with the scrimmage.
“On the bright side, all the mistakes that the team made are correctable in practice,” stated Johnsrud. “The kids did what we asked them to do. And their effort was good and they continued to get better as the scrimmage went on.”
Brandon Sandvik led the Wolves offensively as rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns, while Kyle Cook carried the ball for 55 yards and one touchdown. At quarterback, Jamison Flynn connected with Korbin Knutson for the Wolves’ lone passing touchdown
Defensively, the team was paced by linebackers Logan Mehlhoff and Jarek Hogue and defensive ends Derrike Hayden and Jaydn Ewing.
With the scrimmage behind them, the Wolves look forward to their first action of the season as Watford City takes on the Sidney Eagles at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at Fridley Field.
“Sidney will be a tough test for our young team,” states Johnsrud. “The Eagles finished last season with a 6-2 record and return several All-Conference players.”
According to Johnsrud, with 16 seniors on the squad, Sidney will have the experience edge.
“We will need to take care of the ball and play fundamentally sound football to be successful,” states Johnsrud. “Our coaching staff is still impressed by the work ethic of our young Wolves and expect them to get better with more game experience.”

WATFORD CITY WEATHER