Bulldogs Lose a Close One Last Night to the Trojans

A big second half from the Bulldogs proved to not be enough last night when the West Central Trojans came up to beat the Madison Bulldogs 28-25. Bulldogs went into halftime down 14-7, and came out hot in the second half before cooling off.

Trojans QB Justin Zirpel scored the first touchdown of the night on a 34 yard run. He added another rushing touchdown later on in the second quarter before halftime. Shane Veenhoff was able to score the first touchdown of the night for the Bulldogs, catching an 18 yard pass from Ben Brooks right over Xzavian Ferris.

In the second half, the Bulldogs came out hot, marching down the field on the opening drive, and allowing Ben Brooks to score from 12 yards. On the following drive by the Trojans, Veenhoff picked off Zirpel and returned it for a 30 yard pick-6. 

After another touchdown from the Bulldogs, this time from RB Bruce Galde, putting Madison up 25-14, it seemed like the Bulldogs had all the momentum. 

However, Trojans came out in the fourth quarter and scored two touchdowns, both on passes from Zirpel, allowing the Trojans to regain the lead with a little over a minute and a half left, to win the game 28-25.

It was a tough game for Madison to lose, but the young players showed a lot of promise against a top team like West Central. Brooks finished with 101 yards on the ground, and added 83 yards passing. He also scored two total touchdowns.

Shane Veenhoff also had a good night, as the Freshman caught 7 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown, along with the interception return. 

Zirpel had 111 yards on the ground for the Trojans. 

Madison will host Sioux Falls Christian next Friday, September 16th, for their homecoming game where they will look to rebound.