Wolves get big confidence-builder with win over Troopers
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Watford City’s football team got back in the winning column in a big way on Friday evening as the Wolves rolled over the Garrison-Max Troopers, 35-0. With the win, the Wolves improved their record to 2-2 in Region 3 action and 2-3 overall.
In a big confidence-builder for a young team, Watford City’s defense posted its first shutout of the season while the Wolves’ offense rolled up an impressive five touchdowns on the ground.
And the Wolves are going to need every bit of that confidence as Watford City travels to Stanley on Friday to take on the Blue Jays at 7 p.m.
“We will need our best effort to stay up with a very good team,” states Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach. “We are continuing to improve and this game will help us in our development. Stanley is 5-0 on the season.”
Against Garrison-Max, Watford City’s offense reached the goal line three times in the second quarter as Clay Billing got the Wolves on the scoreboard first on a two-yard run. Josh Johnson then followed with a pair of touchdowns as he scored on runs of 55 and 10 yards. With Steven Bascom kicking the three extra-point conversions, the Wolves were off to the races as they posted a 21-0 halftime lead.
Clay Billing opened the scoring in the third quarter for the Wolves as he picked up his second touchdown of the game on a one-yard run with Bascom kicking the extra point to put the Wolves on top, 28-0.
The Wolves’ final score of the game came in the fourth quarter when Jayden Grotte recovered a Josh Johnson fumble in the end zone to cap off a big win for Watford City.
Offensively, Watford City gained 339 yards on the ground with Josh Johnson picking up 207 yards on 17 carries.
Defensively, Daniel Marmon, Brice Brenno, Dalton Wright and Shawn Fulwider led the way for the Wolves.
“We started 19 different players and everyone did a nice job,” stated Fridley. “Garrison tested our secondary as the Troopers passed the ball 31 times and our secondary really did a good job covering their assignments. I feel our biggest improvement has been in our secondary.”
Individual Statistics:
Rushing: Josh Johnson, 17-207 yards; Clay Billing, 12-65 yards; Tyler Bates, 2-26 yards; Brice Brenno, 1-19 yards; Dalton Wright, 3-11 yards; Jayden Grotte, 4-6 yards; Lucas Nicholson, 2-3 yards; Kelby Indergard, 2-2 yards.
Passing: Lucas Nicholson, 6 of 12 for 74 yards.
Receiving: Shawn Fulwider, 2-47 yards; Brandon Stoker, 3-21 yards; Tyler Bates, 1-6 yards.
Interceptions: Daniel Marmon, 1.
Fumble Recoveries: Davis Zubke, 1; Jayden Grotte, 1.
Defensive Points: Daniel Marmon, 33; Brice Brenno, 26; Dalton Wright, 25; Shawn Fulwider, 23; Cory Jones, 17; Tyler Bates, 17; Clay Billing, 16; Austin Garmann, 12; Davis Zubke, 11; Shane Jorgenson, 11; Gus Nelson, 6; Brandon Allex, 6; Jayden Grotte, 5; Logan Fettig, 2; Jonathan Dunn, 1.