September 25, 2013

Wolves hold off Griggs County to improve to 4-0

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

The Watford City Wolves improved their season record to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Region play with a 19-14 win over Griggs County on Saturday afternoon.
In what was not the prettiest game that the Wolves have played so far this season, the Wolves scored all their points in the second quarter, and then held off a Titans’ comeback in the second half.
“We struggled offensively with several fumbles and penalties that stopped most of our scoring drives in the second half,” stated Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach. “We fumbled the ball seven times in the second half with Griggs County coming up with two of those fumbles.”
However, Fridley again credits the defense with helping keep the season undefeated for the Wolves.
“Our defense came up big on two of the turnovers in the game,” stated Fridley. “The defense kept the Titans from scoring when they were inside the five-yard line in the first quarter, and once early in the fourth when they were inside the 20-yard line.”
Watford City scored on the first play of the second quarter on an eight-yard run by Dalton Wright. Andrew Sampsel kicked the PAT to give the Wolves a 7-0 lead. On the next possession, Keegan Thompson scored on a 13-yard run. The Wolves’ third touchdown of the quarter was on a 30-yard run by Brandon Allex. The Wolves threatened late in the quarter, but settled for a 19-0 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Griggs County scored on their first two possessions to make the game less than a touchdown difference.
“Our defense stepped up after those first two Griggs County scores and limited the Titans to just 33 total yards from midway through the third quarter to the end of the game,” stated Fridley.
The Wolves had a couple chances to score in the second half, but a fumble or penalty stopped the chances.
Dalton Wright had his best game of the year running the ball as he piled up 156 yards on 21 carries, with most of his yards coming inside the tackles on tough runs.
Wright, Daniel Marmon, Derik Sivertson and Beau Heiser were the team’s defensive leaders.
This Friday, the Wolves will have their biggest test of the year when No. 1-ranked Minot Ryan comes to town for a 7 p.m. game at Fridley Field.
Both teams have been in the sportswriters poll this season with the Wolves holding down the No. 5 spot in the poll.
“Minot will bring in one of the best balanced offenses the Wolves will see. They run and pass the ball very well,” states Fridley. “We will need to play our best on both sides of the ball. Our special teams will need to improve.”
                            1      2    3    4        F
Stanley              0      0    0    14    14
Watford City    0    19    0       0    19

WATFORD CITY WEATHER