PLAINWELL – The Dowagiac freshmen football team defeated host Plainwell 24-0 Thursday.

“Offensively we moved the ball well but penalties hurt us,” Dowagiac coach Chad Perrin said. “With that being said, we are very proud of these kid as three two-way starters were out and we had a lot of people moved around to fill the gaps.”

Hunter Ayers had a pair of touchdowns for the Chieftains, who also got scores from Kyle Theis and Eric Walker.

Defensively for Dowagiac, Ayers, Shawn Sirk and Walker all had interceptions. Other top defensive players were Antonio Lear, Theis, Colin Hassle and Blake Slabaugh.

Dowagiac will travel to Berrien Springs Thursday night.

 

JV football

Dowagiac was not as fortunate in the JV contest as Plainwell posted a 44-0 victory over the Chieftains.

Jacob Davis and Derek Williamson both had six tackles for the Chieftains. Scott Hassell and Nate Ward both had four stops.

The Chieftains were held to just 14 yards in total offense, Plainwell finished with 298 yards rushing and 76 passing.

“It boils down to two things,” Dowagiac coach Matt Alward said. “They were a good football team and we didn’t play well. The first half we were down 31-0. In the second half I give the team some credit. We did not hang our heads and still played together as a team. We have to put this one behind us and get ready for next week.”