Wolverines Fall to Warriors in Hard–Fought Defensive Battle
Photo by Eddy Gifford – Demetrius Walker makes a 70-yard kickoff return to the Marion County three-yard line in action Friday night. The Wolverines eventually turned the ball over on downs after a touchdown was called back on a penalty. Dade will face North Sand Mountain at home this week with kickoff set for 8 p.m.
By EDDY GIFFORD
Sports Writer
The Dade County High School Wolverine football team played their first home game of the season on Friday night when they hosted the Marion County Warriors.
A large crowd was on hand in spite of the hot and humid temperatures (around 90 degrees at kickoff) to watch the tri-state rivalry.
The Warriors took the opening kickoff, and after one first down, were forced to punt by the Wolverine defense.
On Dade County’s first possession, they also picked up a first down and were also forced to punt.
That would be the way the first quarter played out, with neither team able to put together a drive, usually a first down followed by a punt and the quarter ended 0-0.
The defensive struggle continued well into the second quarter when the Warriors faced a fourth and goal. Marion County kicked a 19-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 2:52 remaining in the first half.
The Wolverines had good field position at the Warrior 37-yard line as time was winding down in the first half. Wolverine quarterback Bryson Shrader threw a pass over the middle to Caleb Massey for a touchdown with 2.3 seconds remaining in the first half. The extra point attempt was no good.
Dade County led 6–3 going into the locker room at halftime.
The second half started with Dade receiving the kick and Demetrius Walker taking the ball 70 yards to the three-yard line before being tackled. On the second play from scrimmage the Wolverines found the end zone, but the play was called back on a penalty.
Photo by Eddy Gifford – Caleb Massey hauls in a Bryson Shrader pass in the first half of Friday night’s game against Marion County for a 37-yard touchdown. The Wolverines took the lead with the score but fell to the Warriors 10-6 in a defensive struggle.
The Wolverines then turned the ball over on downs at the three-yard line where the Warriors took over.
Marion County marched down the field and lined up for a field goal, but the snap was bad. The Warriors then turned the botched play into a touchdown and the extra point put them on top 10-6 with 4:08 remaining in the third quarter.
Late in the fourth quarter, Dade County had another touchdown called back due to a penalty.
The Wolverine’s defenses came up with big plays when they needed them but the Warriors took the win by the final score of 10-6.
Landon Williams led the Wolverine rushing attack with 15 carries for 60 yards while quarterback Bryson Shrader completed nine of 18 passes for 132 yards and two interceptions.
The Wolverine defense was led by Brandon Willerson with seven tackles, one assist, two pass breakups; Landon Williams with seven tackles, one assist, three tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, one caused fumble, and two quarterback pressures; Ryker Stanley had seven tackles, three assists, and four tackles for loss. Carter Christiansen had five tackles, one assist; Jax Guinn had four tackles, one assist; Eli Kimball had two tackles, five assists, one tackle for loss; and Jace Anderson had two tackles and one pass break up.
The Wolverines will be back at home this week when they host rival North Sand Mountain. The Bison defeated Valley Head in their season opener 15-0.
Kickoff is at 8 p.m.