By By SCOTT NOVAK
Dowagiac Daily News
There are two things that the Dowagiac varsity football team needs to focus on tonight.
The first is rebounding from last Friday night's loss at Comstock with a victory over host Plainwell.
The second is moving one step closer to qualifying for the state playoffs.
A win would move Dowagiac within a game of the six victories needed for an automatic playoff berth. A win would also keep the Chieftains Wolverine Conference hopes alive.
But that's not what concerns Dowagiac coach Mike Stanger.
Stanger just wants for his team to get back to playing fundamental football.
"We just need to get back on track," Stanger said Thursday night. "It we win the next four games, then we can let the cards fall where they may when it comes to the conference. We just have to get back to playing good football."
The Chieftains (4-1) will be looking to get back to playing aggressive, physical football – something it didn't do consistently against the Colts.
Dowagiac must continue to pound the opposition with its running game and improve its passing game.
Defensively, the Chieftains need to pick up the intensity and get 11 helmets to the football according to Stanger.
Dowagiac will have to do so without two players – senior Jake Shelton and junior Drew Staley.
Both have gone to the hospital this week and will not play tonight against the Trojans.
"We are going to stick to the basics tonight," Stanger said. "We just need to continue what we have been doing."
Plainwell is an offense which has struggled to score points this season, but have been able move the football on all of its opponents.
"Their offense wants to stay away from third and long situations," Stanger said. "If they get good yardage on first and second down, then they can move the football. But if you force them into third and long, they have trouble picking up first downs. We have to control the line of scrimmage, especially on first down."
Dowagiac has done a pretty good job defensively. Only Comstock put up more than a couple of touchdowns against the Chieftains.
Defensively, Kyle Bailey's 40 tackles lead the Chieftains. Tim Bartee, who along with Kyle Prak will help replace Shelton on offense, has 37 tackles. Chris Primley and Mike Laylin both have 25 stops for Dowagiac.
Offensively, Dowagiac has gained 1,399 yards rushing and has passed for an additional 282 yards.
Jamie Simpson leads the pack with 568 yards, while Shelton has rushed for 417 yards this season.