Dogs down Dogies in return to 8-man

The Bulldogs' return to eight-man football started with a win in Forsyth last Friday. There are sixteen players on the team this year, but only 13 were suited up for the contest.

Throughout the game, the Bulldogs moved the ball effectively on the ground. Only once were they forced to punt. However, untimely turnovers in the redzone kept the game close. On the opening possession, the Dogs drove the length of the field, chewing about six and a half minutes off the clock before scoring. Their two-point conversion was unsuccessful.

The Dogies scored on their first possession in only a few plays. After that, the Bulldog defense tightened. Blue was down 6-8 and again drove the ball deep into Dogie territory. A turnover gave the ball back to Forsyth but the Bulldog defense forced a safety and knotted the game at 8 going into halftime.

CCHS started the third quarter poorly. They allowed an easy Dogie touchdown, fumbled their first play from scrimmage on the next possession, and then gave up a 13 yard touchdown run on the next play. A game that was tied at halftime suddenly saw the Bulldogs down 22-8 partway through the third quarter.

Instead of folding, the Dogs pulled together a battled back. They continued to move the ball on the ground and wore down the Dogie defense. Runs that went for 3-4 yards in the first half became 7-10 yard runs late in the third quarter. The Bulldog offense continually lined up in the I-Formation and pounded the ball. A long drive ending in a touchdown closed the gap to 16-22 by the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was much of the same. The Bulldogs quickly forced Dogie punts and methodically drove the ball down the field on offense. Backs found running room on dives, sweeps, and option plays as the Bulldog line wore down their opposition.

At around the five minute mark in the fourth quarter, Blue had a 30-22 lead. Forsyth elected to punt on a forth and medium yardage situation around midfield. The Bulldogs chewed all of the remaining time off the clock on their final possession, which ended near the goal line. By limiting penalties and not turning the ball over, they won the game, 30-22 and dominated time of possession.

This Friday, CCHS will take on Plentywood for homecoming. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Powderpuff football will take place prior to the game at 5:30 p.m. and a barbecue will take place at the school at 6 p.m.

Teams in the Montana 8-Man East Division for the 2019 football season are: CCHS, Broadus, Circle, Culbertson, Fairview, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Lodge Grass, Plentywood, St. Labre and Scobey.