The Dowagiac JV football team played to a 58-58 tie with visiting Otsego Thursday night.

Dowagiac finished with 350 yards rushing and 489 yards in total offense.

Ronnie Payne rushed for 201 yards a pair of touchdowns, while Jacob Davis ran for 71 yards and two scores. Nate Ward also had 71 yards rushing and scored a touchdown.

Nate Tackitt had a pair of touchdown runs. Anthony Neubaur also had a touchdown.

Scott Hassle was 5-of-12 for 121 yards.

Otsego came into the contest undefeated.

“These young men finally played with all their heart and never gave up,” Dowagiac coach Matt Alward said. “I am very proud of the way they played today. I would like to thank Mike Behnke and Kyle Belew for two outstanding coaching jobs this season,”

 

Freshmen football

Dowagiac’s freshmen football team ended its season on a high note as it defeated Otsego 46-0 Thursday.

“Everyone played well and had a hand in this victory,” Dowagiac coach Chad Perrin said. “We have been injury plagued all season, but these kids never let it get to them. They played whatever the team needed them at and never complained.”

Eric Walker had a pair of long touchdown runs for the Chieftains, who also got scores from Colin Hassle, Shawn Sirk, Kevin Whitaker and Hunter Ayers.

Hassle also recovered a fumble for a touchdown.

Defensive leaders were Brock Moore, Austin Jones, Antonio Lear, Nathan Gourly and Blake Slabaugh.