By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
It took nine weeks, but the Dowagiac freshmen football team picked up a victory on Thursday night with a 21-6 win over host Paw Paw.
Each week the Chieftains got a little better and it all came together against the Redskins.
"Overall the season was a success because we became better football players as it progressed," Dowagiac coach Chris Machiniak said. "I want to thank my assistant coaches – Scott Dodd, Brent Hatch and Tony Scaccia for all their hard work and time they put in to help these young men turn the corner as a team.
"I would also like to thank the fans, every game – home and away – we always had very good fan support. I know the kids appreciate that."
Three different players scored touchdowns for the Chieftains against the Redskins. Cody Cox scored the first touchdown, while John Myers and Andrew Kurdelmeyer also added touchdowns runs.
Defensively, Andrew Roden and Cody Klomes led the Chieftains with interceptions.
Dowagiac finishes the year with a 1-8 overall record.
JV football
The Dowagiac JV football team wrapped up an 8-1 season with a 21-19 victory over host Paw Paw on Thursday night.
Tim DeRyder scored a pair of touchdowns and picked off a Paw Paw pass with 30 seconds remaining to seal the victory. The Chieftains other touchdown came on a quarterback sneak by Greg Nelson.
Michael "Motown" Filley added all three extra point kicks.
Defensively, DeRyder and Patrick Yore, who recovered a fumble, led the Chieftains.
"I am very proud of these kids," Dowagiac coach Matt Alward said. "They came together and turned it around after going 2-5-2 last season. I also would like to thank coaches Kyle Belew, Matt Stewart and Max Sala for all their help."