Bulldogs Trip Up on Homecoming; Lose 12-7 to Dakota Valley

The Madison Bulldogs slipped to 0-5 on the season yesterday after dropping their Homecoming matchup against Dakota Valley, 12-7.

It was a game that got moved up a few hours early for action at the Dan Beacom Track Complex at 4pm. A game that was all defense in the first half of its game with no score at all going into the half. The first score didn’t come about until 1:07 was left in the third quarter.

Madison

Madison couldn’t get past its recent turnover bug. They’ve had five interceptions from starting quarterback Ben Brooks in the last two outings and unfortunately added three more in this game. Along with one fumble from sophomore Caleb Hodges. Some ill advised decisions on offense, trying to force the big plays to happen even when it’s not open. It was their demise against the Panthers.

A relatively average day in many departments, but the run game on both sides worked pretty well. Only difference is, it wasn’t from our running backs like it was for them. Though now that is back-to-back 100+ yard rushing games by Brooks for Madison.

The Bulldogs also had five players with seven or more tackles in the game and two players with 10+ tackles. Eli Barger led with 18 tackles and Jordan Pederson had 15 of his own. Parker Johnson had the lone sack in the game for both teams.

Dakota Valley

The Panthers’ junior running back Jackson Boonstra had 26 carries for 138 yards. This marks the third time in the first five games that the Bulldogs have allowed a single rusher to gain 130+ on the ground.

Dakota Valley didn’t do anything fancy or anything the Bulldogs haven’t seen before. Just stayed committed to the run and took what they were given. Not many big plays, but they are a sound defense. Still in no game all season through five, have they allowed more than 14 points.

QB Drew Lukken was 11-for-21 for 104 yards passing with one interception and one rush TD. He was five-for-seven in the second half and that’s also when his rushing TD came. His improved play helped guide the Panthers. Dakota Valley’s four takeaways gave them the chances and time they needed to bring about a victory to take down Madison.

Next Game

Madison will stay home for its next game when it hosts Canton on Friday. Kickoff will be at 7pm with pregame beginning at 6:30pm on AM 1390 Dakotas Best.