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Chieftains close in on playoffs

By RICK SWANSON / Dowagiac Daily News
Monday, October 6, 2008 10:56 AM EDT

PLAINWELL - The Dowagiac Chieftains football team won Friday night against the Trojans of Plainwell 28-13 under a clear and cool early October sky.

After a slow start in the first quarter, the team played well on both sides of the ball, amassing 326 total yards while keeping Plainwell to 266 yards.

The story of the night was sophomore quarterback Austin Adams as he lit up the sky with an air show not yet seen this year.

Coming into the game, he had thrown for 219 yards on the season. In the first half alone, he had 5-of-6 completions for 90 yards including a 10-yard touchdown toss to Brandon Douglas to start the Dowagiac scoring for the night.

Douglas went on for a total of four receptions at 72 yards. The two also connected on a 23-yard pass, setting up a quarterback sneak two plays later.

"He is coming of age," Coach Mike Stanger commented on his young quarterback. "We did not what to put too much on him, but we knew we could beat them deep (with the pass) so we did."

And he delivered on the challenge. On the night he ended up going 7-for-9 for 129 yards.

Adams also connected with Cody Cox for 14 yards and to Michael Filley for 15 yards.

He sent to the ball deep to Shaun Bruens for a 28-yard throw, setting up a Jonathan Myers' 8-yard touchdown run the following series.

Again, junior Brandon Douglas controlled the ground attack with Myers, Adams, Greg Nelson and DJ Tartt all contributing to the team effort.

Nelson rushed seven times for 70 yards.

Plainwell running back Kyon Dorsey created havoc for the Dowagiac defense.

"He is a pretty good running back," Stanger said. "He can move a little bit and found open seams in the backfield."

He ran the ball 18 times for 100 of Plainwell's 183 rushing yards.

"Once the defense got a hold of it (the Plainwell offense), they buckled down," Stanger added.

"I am proud of the kids' effort tonight, they played well all game," Stanger commented after the game. "But we have a lot to work on. The offense needs to stay consistent and moving the ball, and on defense we need to improve on our tackling."

The win brings the team to 5-1 on the season, just one win away from making the state playoffs.

The Chieftains need to stay focused on that goal this week as homecoming activities will be in full swing.

Gull Lake comes to town with a 1-5 record.

Dowagiac 0 21 7 0-28

Plainwell 6 0 0 7-13

P -Adam Tustin 26 pass from Willie Johnson (kick blocked)

D - Brandon Douglas 10 pass from Austin Adams (Michael Filley kick)

D - Austin Adams 1 run (Filley kick)

D - Jon Myers 7 run (Filley kick)

D - Jon Myers 3 run (Filley kick)

P - Tim Bernham12 run (Lyons kick)

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