Chieftains must rebound against Rams
Published 10:22 am Thursday, September 25, 2014
Dowagiac’s defense swarms around Three Rivers’ Bailey Miholer-Wortinger. The Chieftains will need to get as many people to the ball as it can against the Rams Friday night. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)
For visiting Dowagiac and South Haven, Friday night is the beginning of a season within a season.
While both teams are looking to get to six wins in order to qualify for the MHSAA state playoffs, Friday’s contest is the opening game of Wolverine West Division play.
The Chieftains come into the game with a 2-2 record and are coming off a tough 22-19 loss to rival Three Rivers last Friday.
The Rams are 1-3 and have 35-28 loss against Otsego in a game it led.
South Haven’s lone victory of the season was against Sturgis (27-7).
Dowagiac and South Haven have played three common opponents — Plainwell (34-6), Otsego and the Trojans.
The Chieftains defeated Otsego (24-20) and lost to Plainwell (28-13).
Dowagiac defeated Sturgis 22-7 in Week 2.
Against Three Rivers, the Chieftains had just 244 yards in total offense, including 155 yards rushing.
Bryce Dodd was 6-of-12 and Brandon Hatch 1-for-1 as they combined for 89 yards through the air.
South Haven running back Daymon Archuleta rushed for 259 yards on 46 carries.
The Rams’ quarterback, Devon Smiley was 5-of-12 for 41 yards.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
