Bulldogs topple Stevensville 25-14 on the road
Bulldog football coach Patrick Dryden likes what he has seen from his team in their last three games.
In fact, he likes it so much, he isn't ready to take the bye week that is coveted by many teams as a chance to regroup and heal.
"I wish we had a game this week," Dryden said about not playing again until Oct. 2.
The coach has every right to be excited about his team, too.
Whitefish won their third straight game on Friday at Stevensville, beating the Yellowjackets 25-14. The Bulldogs racked up 422 yards through the air and on the ground, and the defense held Stevensville to just 22 yards of total offense in the second half.
"Teams think they have to stop the run against us, but we can pass, too." Dryden said about his team's recent success with putting points on the board.
In the come-from-behind win, Whitefish used their well-balanced offensive attack to fend off two quick scores by Stevensville.
"We gave up some huge plays," Dryden said. "But we responded. The intensity level was higher than any game we've had this season, and come-from-behind wins build character."
With 58 seconds left in the second quarter, 'Jackets receiver Josh Haynes brought in a 74-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Logan Connors to put Stevensville up 7-0.
Whitefish instantly equalized with a 5-play drive, scoring with just 12 seconds on the clock when quarterback Mac Roche connected with his brother Willie Roche on a 30-yard touchdown pass.
"Willie had a breakout game for us," Dryden said. "He caught two touchdown passes and made some solid tackles on defense."
The 'Jackets opened the second half with a bang when they returned a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown and took the lead again.
"Stevensville is a young team with tremendous speed," Dryden said about the Yellowjackets' ability to get the ball into the end zone quickly. "It was nice to match up against a team with that much speed."
Whitefish countered the opening kickoff return with a touchdown drive capped off by a 4-yard run into the end zone by Derek Crittenden.
"Our running backs continue to improve every week," Dryden said. "They are reading blocks better, and Crittenden's lead blocking has been outstanding. He is leading on nearly every running play."
Dryden also pointed to the outstanding play of the Bulldogs' offensive line, led by Tyson Ferda and Orrin Dugin.
The 'Dogs tacked on the go-ahead score when the Roche brothers connected again on a 56-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Running back Daniel Simmons finished the game's scoring with a 4-yard run, putting Whitefish up 25-14.
The Whitefish defense shutdown Stevensville's comeback attempts throughout the second half.
"Our secondary played really well," Dryden said.
Willie Roche, Kalin Hale and Jeremy Nielsen all had interceptions in the game to keep the Yellowjackets' passing game in check.
The Bulldogs open conference play at home against Ronan on Oct. 2.
Dryden says Ronan has a potent offense that has been racking up a lot of rushing yards.
"I think they feel like they are contenders in the conference," Dryden said. "I'd have to agree."
With a bye this week, the Bulldogs have two weeks to rest and prepare for the homecoming game.
Whitefish 0 7 6 12 - 25
Stevensville 0 7 7 0 - 14
S - Josh Haynes 74 pass from Logan Connors (Connors kick)
W - Willie Roche 30 pass from Mac Roche (Robbie Neff kick)
S - Jalen Pfau 84 kickoff return (Connors kick)
W - Derek Crittenden 4 run (kick failed)
W - W. Roche 42 pass from M. Roche (pass failed)
W - Daniel Simmons 4 run (pass failed)