By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The Dowagiac junior varsity football team capped off its season with a 32-12 victory over host Lakeshore Thursday night.
Brandon McCuddy rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown, while Russell Sizemore added 34 yards and a touchdown.
Sizemore also had 38 yards receiving and a touchdown, while Ryan Laylin and Sonny Swartz had 52 and 23 yards receiving with a touchdown.
David Stuppy threw for 152 yards and three touchdowns.
Sizemore led the team defensively with eight tackles and an interception. Ryan Saylor had two tackles and an interception, while Bradon Simmons had four tackles.
Dowagiac…6
Lakeshore…7
For the first time in their career the Dowagiac freshman football team tasted defeat.
After going undefeated as seventh and eighth graders, the freshman team won its first eight games of the season.
Thursday night in Stevens-ville, a controversial play led to a 7-6 Lakeshore victory over the Chieftains.
Neither offense scored in the defensive tussle.
Dowagiac's touchdown came on a 30-yard interception return.
Lakeshore scored on a controversial fumble return.
Dowagiac felt the play was dead, however, two officials signaled touchdown and the Lancers came away winners.
Despite the loss, Alward said he is proud of his team and the season they have had.
Alward also thanked defensive coach Russ Bergemann for his assistance this year.