Wolves to take on Shanley in Class AA football playoffs
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Watford City closed out its regular season play of the 2014 season on Friday evening as the Wolves fell to the Beulah Miners, 34-8.
The Miners dominated the game as Beulah held a 394-yard to 116-yard total offensive advantage and pretty much controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
“We did not play our best game,” stated Justin Johnsrud, Wolves’ head coach. “Beulah was able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and was able to sustain drives down the field to score.”
The Miners held an 8-0 first quarter lead, and would lead by a score of 15-0, before the Wolves would score on a one-yard touchdown run by Keegan Thompson midway through the second quarter. While that touchdown would cut the Miners’ lead to 15-8, Beulah would tack on another six points in the second quarter to take a commanding, 21-8, lead at halftime.
The Miners’ defense held Watford City’s offense scoreless in the second half, while Beulah’s offense would tack on two more touchdowns in the second half to take the 35-8 win.
“The Miners limited our possessions in the first half and took advantage of turnovers,” stated Johnsrud on the loss.
Keegan Thompson was Watford City’s leading rusher as he gained 60 yards on 19 carries, while Derrike Hayden had one catch for 22 yards.
While the Wolves ended their regular season loss, Watford City’s season is not over. Watford City secured its Class AA playoff spot when the Wolves defeated Dickinson Trinity, 22-21
The Wolves will be traveling to Fargo Shanley on Saturday for a 12 noon game in the Class AA quarter-finals.
“Our loss to Beulah was not a determining factor in the seeding,” states Johnsrud. “With Bishop Ryan’s loss to St. Mary’s, the No. 4 seed was the best we could have done.”
Fargo Shanley, which is the No. 1 seed from the east, will be a tough challenge for the Wolves, according to Johnsrud.
“Shanley is a very good football team with excellent team speed,” states Johnsrud. “We will need to play assignment football against them if we want to be successful. The players have worked hard all year and I know they will continue to do so. We will need our best effort against Shanley. It’s a new season. Everyone is 0-0, and it’s win or go home!”
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Beulah 8 13 6 7 34
Watford City 0 8 0 0 8