Ball Protection is Key for the Bulldogs: Game Preview – Madison vs Canton

Back at home again are the Madison Bulldogs as they are set to take on the Canton C-Hawks at the Dan Beacom Track Complex.

Coming in with yet another tough game on the docket for Madison, matching up with the C-Hawks. Canton has lost back-to-back games though so many they’re reeling enough to slip up again.

They’re no slouch on either side of the ball though, regardless of the last two losses. Which came against Dell Rapids & West Central. Opponents of whom the Bulldogs have already seen this year and we all know how good they are.

Canton

The C-Hawks are primarily led by their run game, which is headed by senior tailback Canaan McCracken and junior halfback Cain Wallner.

McCracken currently has 370 rushing yards this year through five games, which is an average of 92.5 yards per game. Also has six rush touchdowns and was an all-conference selection last season. Wallner is the pass-catching back with a combined 400 yards rushing and receiving with seven total TD’s. Was an all-conference selection last year as well. Also serves as the team punter and kick returner where he was an all-state special teamer

They’re able to score the football, with those two players alone accounting for 13 TD’s. They’ve put up more points on Dell Rapids, 30 total, than any other team this year.

They’re led defensively by a trio of linebackers who all have 25+ tackles on the year and at least two tackles-for-loss each. Along with various multi-year starters, so they have the experience too.

Madison

For the Madison Bulldogs, they need a win. It’s that simple. Madison hasn’t seen an 0-6 start since the 2009-10 season.

Junior quarterback Ben Brooks comes into the game with 10 total touchdowns, with eight in the air and two on the ground. Back-to-back games for Brooks with 100+ rushing yards that has helped the Bulldogs rushing attack immensely.

Though what hasn’t helped, is the interceptions that have crept up. Brooks and the Bulldogs taking care of the ball will be their only chance against the C-Hawks. It is key in bringing about a win and snapping the losing streak.

As of late, the Bulldogs have been mostly led by their defense with a pair of linebackers, senior Eli Barger and junior Jordan Pederson, with 54 tackles on the year. The team has nine interceptions and eight sacks on the year. It’s a portion of the team that has continued to see improvement.

Kickoff is set for 7pm with pregame beginning at 6:30pm on AM 1390 Dakotas Best.