The Dowagiac JV football team opened its season with a 57-16 win over South Haven. (The Daily News/Provided)

From staff reports

The Dowagiac freshmen and junior varsity football teams opened the 2010 season with convincing victories Thursday night at Chris Taylor-Alumni Field.

The Chieftain freshmen squad defeated Battle Creek Pennfield 46-6, while the JV topped South Haven 57-16.

Freshmen football

Aaron Adams and Nate Lindsey both ran for over 100 yards and combined for three touchdowns to lead the Chieftains offensively.

Adams finished with 122 yards on five carries, while Lindsey had 102 yards on seven totes and a pair of touchdowns.

Shane Bevins, Davion Highsmith and Lucas Petro also scored.

“This was a typical week 1 for freshman football,” Dowagiac coach Tony Scaccia said. “The kids played exceptional on defense and we have a lot of room for improvement on the offensive side of the ball.  All in all I am proud of our effort tonight and we will work hard to get ready for Three Rivers.”

Defensively for the Chieftains, Ray Vega recovered a fumbled and returned it 41 yard for a touchdown.

Bevins led the team in tackles with nine. Travis Edwards had a pair of sacks and Highsmith had an interception.

JV football

Other than two long plays allowed by the defense, Dowagiac coach Matt Alward was pleased with his team’s performance Thursday night.

“Other than those two plays, South Haven wasn’t able to move the ball,” he said.

The Chieftains opened the game with a 62-yard touchdown run that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Scoring touchdowns for Dowagiac were Brendon Murray, Josh Richards, Derek Stark and Brandon Pompey.

Taylor Panczak threw for a pair of touchdowns for the Chieftains.

“It was a good start to the season,” Alward said. “We need to continue to work hard and get ready for this week.”