COLOMA — After deciding to come out for football after the season had started, Dowagiac’s Dontel Highsmith had to wait until the fifth week to see the field.

It didn’t take that long for the Chieftains to get him involved in the game.

Highsmith caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brett Scanlon in the opening quarter as Dowagiac rolled to a 46-0 Wolverine Conference West Division victory over host Coloma Friday.

Highsmith, who verbally committed to play basketball at Northern Illinois recently, had just the one reception.

The Chieftains (5-0) wasted no time in making sure the Comets had no chance of pulling off an upset as they scored 25 first half points and then added 21 more in the final two quarters.

Dowagiac rushed for 345 yards and threw for another 39 yards to finish the night with 384 yards in total offense.

The Chieftains spread the wealth around as four runners had 49 yards or more and nine players overall had at least two carries.

Shane Bevins led the way with 92 yards on just three rushes and a pair of touchdowns. He scored on runs of 33 and 57 yards in the second half.

Derek Stark added 85 yards on six carries and two touchdowns as he scored on runs of 10 and 33 yards. D.J. Hunt rushed for 53 yards on eight totes, including a 4-yard touchdown run.

The Dowagiac defense continued to excel as it held the Comets to a minus nine yards on the ground and just 43 yards in total offense.

The Chieftains return home Friday night to put their undefeated record and No. 5 ranking on the line against South Haven.

 

Dowagiac 13 12 7 14 -46

Coloma 0 0 0 0 – 0

D – Dontel Highsmith 15 pass from Brett Scanlon (Scanlon kick)

D – D.J. Hunt 4 run (run failed)

D – Scanlon 1 run (kick failed)

D – Derek Stark 10 run (run failed)

D – Stark 33 run (Scanlon kick)

D – Shane Bevins 57 run (Scanlon kick)

D – Bevins 27 run (Scanlon kick)