The Dakota Ridge Eagles had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14.5 points), and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Grand Junction 55-21 at home. The result was nothing new for Dakota Ridge, who have now won four matches by 28 points or more so far this season.
Dakota Ridge's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Blake Palladino, who rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries, and also threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns on only 14 passes. Landon Kalsbeck was another key contributor, gaining 151 total yards and two touchdowns.
Several Tigers players turned in solid performances, despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Will Applegate, who threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns. The team also got some help courtesy of Noah Watkins, who gained 86 total yards and a touchdown.
Dakota Ridge's victory bumped their record up to 6-3. As for Grand Junction, their loss was their ninth straight on the road (dating back to last season), which dropped their overall record down to 2-7.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Dakota Ridge will challenge Standley Lake at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Standley Lake comes in on a streak of failing to score more than six points in their last three games, a trend the team is of course eager to reverse. As for Grand Junction, they will head out on the road to face off against Golden at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
