Two dominant backs in Josh Kibel and Michael Rantz are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Dove Creek Bulldogs will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Dolores Bears at 7:00 p.m. The timing is sure in Dove Creek's favor as the squad sits on five straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while Dolores has been banged up by six consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.
Dove Creek will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any points last Friday, then bounced right back against Norwood on Friday. Dove Creek was the clear victor by a 50-26 margin over Norwood. Considering the Bulldogs have won four matches by more than 23 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Kibel was his usual excellent self, rushing for 172 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Dove Creek didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. Liam Hassell picked up that interception and then proceeded to rub salt in the wound by taking it back the other way for a touchdown. He is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in the last eight games he's played dating back to last season.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Dove Creek was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 372 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Norwood only rushed for 161.
Meanwhile, Dolores came up short against Sargent last Friday and fell 30-23.
Despite the defeat, Dolores got top-tier performance from Rantz, who picked up 73 receiving yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries. Rantz didn't just play on offense: he also made 13 total tackles and defended two passes in addition to snagging an interception.
Dolores wouldn't let Sargent keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. It was truly a group effort as River Wickstrom, Davien Pawlicki, and Deven Winter picked up one apiece.
Dove Creek's win bumped their record up to 5-1. As for Dolores, their loss dropped their record down to 2-4.
Friday's contest might be decided in the on the ground. Dove Creek has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 260.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Dolores struggles in that department as they've been averaging 163.2. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for Dove Creek against Dolores in their previous matchup back in October of 2023, as the team secured a 48-0 victory. Does Dove Creek have another victory up their sleeve, or will Dolores turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
