By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Another fourth quarter defensive stand lifted the Dowagiac varsity football team to a 40-25 victory over visiting Kalamazoo Central Friday night.
The Chieftains improved to 3-0 on the season with its second straight win at Chris Taylor-Alumni Field.
The Maroon Giants (0-3) led twice in the contest, 6-0 and 12-6, before the Chieftains grabbed a 19-12 halftime advantage.
Despite being up by seven points, Dowagiac coach Mike Stanger was anything but pleased with his troops.
After giving up a touchdown to Kalamazoo Central's Craig Wimbley, Dowagiac rallied to tie the score at 6-6 on an 18-yard pass from David Stuppy to Jamie Simpson.
The Maroon Giants then went up 12-6 when Camerron Cheatham scored on a 66-yard bomb from Kevan Hess.
The Chieftains again rallied, this time on a one-yard run by Jake Shelton to make it a 12-12 contest.
The Chieftains completed the first half scoring when Simson scored on a two-yard run and Tony Black made the game's first extra point.
Simpson would score the next two touchdowns for the Chieftains.
His first score came on a five-yard run, while his second touchdown of the second half came on the ensuing kickoff after Kalamazoo Central cut the Chieftains' advantage to 26-25.
The Giants actually could have tied the game, but the Chieftains blocked the extra point attempt.
Simpson then raced 89-yards down the Kalamazoo Central sideline to seal the Chieftain victory.
After another Giant turnover, its sixth of the game, Mike Laylin completed the scoring with a six-yard run.
Dowagiac got three interceptions, including two by Nick File, and three fumble recoveries on the night.
Dowagiac had just 255 yards on the ground, thanks in part to the defense giving it great field position.
Laylin led Dowagiac with 85 yards, while David Sayre added 68 and Simpson 55 yards.
Dowagiac now turns its attention to undefeated Marshall which will host the Chieftains on Friday night.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.