Dells pulls away in 2nd half for win over the Bulldogs
After opening the season with a win at home last week, the Madison Bulldogs dropped to 1-1 Friday, falling to Dell Rapids 30-13. The Quarriers scored on the games opening drive, covering 68 yards in five minutes, capped by a 3 yard touchdown run from Cole Ruesink. With the two point conversion attempt unsuccessful, Dell Rapids led 6-0.
Madison’s offense struggled initially, going three and out on their first two drives. But at the start of the 2nd quarter Cohen Hahn entered at quarterback, and connected with Jordan Pedersen for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Tyler Troxell’s successful extra point kick put Madison ahead 7-6.
The lead only lasted seconds however, as on the ensuing kickoff, Ruesink showcased his speed once again, returning the ball 85 yards for another touchdown. The Quarriers attempt for a two-point conversion fell short again as they took a 12-7 lead.
Just minutes later, Ben Brooks displayed broke free for a 71-yard touchdown run to put Madison back up 13-12. Dell Rapids had one final strike before halftime. With only 28 seconds left on the clock, Cooper Frost found Tad Tjaden for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was missed again, but Dell Rapids took a 18-13 lead into the locker room.
The second half saw Dell Rapids assert their dominance. Quinn Carr punched in a 10-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, and despite another missed extra point, the Thunder extended their lead to 24-13. Madison’s defense struggled to contain the Dell Rapids’ offensive line and playmakers, leading to another short touchdown run by Carr, this time from 2 yards out, with just 1:20 remaining in the third quarter. The PAT attempt was again no good, but Dell Rapids was now comfortably ahead 30-13.
Ruesink ran the ball 15 times for 58 yards and a TD. Carr added 12 carries for 58 and a score. Frost completed 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards and a TD. Ben Brooks ran the ball 10 times for 89 yards and a score. He also caught 3 passes for 46 yards. Dell Rapids outgained Madison 303 yards to 194.
Madison will travel to Custer next Friday. The game will start at 6pm Central time, with a 5:40pm Edwards Jones Pregame show on AM 1390.
