Wolves hold on for first win of the season
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Watford City got on the scoreboard first and then held off a late fourth-quarter drive by Des Lacs-Burlington on Friday as the Wolves defeated the Lakers 19-13 in Class A football action.
The win, which was the Wolves’ first of the season, was a key Region III victory for Watford City.
“It was a key win for us for a couple of reasons,” stated Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach. “First, it gives us a game up in the playoff position. And second, it was a confidence- builder after last week’s defeat.”
The Wolves’ first touchdown came as Watford City went 63 yards on its opening possession. Keegan Thompson scampered across the goal line on a one-yard run to draw first blood with Cole Rolfsrud kicking the PAT to put the Wolves on top 7-0.
But the Lakers would respond with a touchdown on their first possession to deadlock the game at 7-7
After mostly a defensive battle through the middle of the second quarter, Watford City’s offense would again reach the end zone.
The Wolves’ second touchdown came on a 78-yard pass to Daniel Marmon from Keegan Thompson which put the Watford City on top, 13-7, at the half.
“We played much better in all phases of the game, but our offensive and defensive lines were the big difference,” stated Fridley of the win. “Our players got off the ball and controlled the line of scrimmage.”
After a scoreless third quarter, the Wolves would add a key insurance touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a two-yard scoring run by Josh Rolfsrud, who had a big game for Watford City as he rushed for 132 yards on 21 carries.
Des Lacs would tack on one more score in the fourth quarter to trail the Wolves 19-13.
And then Watford City’s defense did its job as the Wolves made a huge defensive stand late in the fourth to give the Wolves their first win of the season.
“This week will be a another big test for us as we travel to Lewis & Clark on Friday,” says Fridley.
Last year, the Wolves lost to Lewis & Clark, and with both teams entering the game with a 1-0 record in Region III, Fridley knows how important it will be for Watford City to come away with a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“We need to come back and work hard like last week and get ourselves ready to play,” stated Fridley. “I feel everybody stepped up this last week and that shows the character of our team.”
Individual Statistics:
Rushing: Josh Rolfsrud, 21-132 yards; Kolton Hall, 9-35 yards; Keegan Thompson, 10-27 yards; Dalton Wright, 1-3 yards; Daniel Marmon, 1-3 yards.
Passing: Keegan Thompson, 4-8 for 93 yards.
Receiving: Daniel Marmon, 2-81 yards; Tyler Bates, 1-8 yards; Logan Fettig, 1-4 yards.
Defensive Points: Brandon Allex, 46; Dalton Wright, 36; Davis Zubke, 33; Shane Jorgenson, 32; Daniel Marmon, 31; Tyler Bates, 21; Beau Heiser, 19; Cole Rolfsrud, 20; Mitchell Liebel, 16; Nate Egeberg, 15; Josh Rolfsrud, 12; Jonathan Dunn, 12; Logan Fettig, 11; Jaryn Homiston, 4; Keegan Thompson, 4; Casey Bellar, 1.