×

Dodgers back on the road at Marshalltown

MARSHALLTOWN – All of the momentum and positive energy generated by the Fort Dodge football team a week ago will be back in play here Friday when the Dodgers visit Marshalltown for a Class 4A, District 4 game.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Leonard Cole Field.

Head coach Matt Miller’s squad is one step away from securing a third consecutive winning campaign, which would mark the first time Fort Dodge (4-2 overall, 1-1 in the district) has done so since 1950-52. The Dodgers are also trying stay in the thick of the playoff hunt with a road victory over the Bobcats (1-5, 0-2).

Miller knows now isn’t the time to start admiring the past or looking down the road, though. He’s making sure his players are on that same page.

”Our biggest game of the year is Marshalltown,” said Miller, who passed mentor Sam Moser to move into second place on the school’s career win charts with a 43-21 triumph over previously-unbeaten Newton last Friday. ”We have to play with a sense of urgency and a lot of emotion from here on out. Every snap.

”When I watch (the Bobcats) on film, I see a big offensive and defensive front and guys who can make plays at their skill positions. We’re not paying any attention to their record; they’re a 4A program and a long-time rival, and it’s on their turf. We better respect their potential and ability.”

Fort Dodge put up season highs for points, rushing yards (265) and total yards (530) in its Homecoming rout of the Cardinals a week ago. Strapping junior Joe Artis had 192 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in his first extensive action of the year, while classmate Savion Poe darted 60 yards for a third-quarter score.

Dodger quarterback Drake Miller had 265 yards and two TDs of his own, finding junior Trey Mosley and senior Jonny Bowser. Miller currently ranks fourth in Class 4A in both yards (1,297) and receptions (110) despite being just a sophomore. Mosley (36 catches, 494 yards) and Bowser (35 for 471) are both among 4A’s Top-10 receivers as well.

The Bobcats rely on junior quarterback Sam Irwin, who has thrown for 735 yards and seven touchdowns, as well as offensive backs Marquis Haynes (74 carries, 322 yards) and Avery Brooks (25 for 154) – both seniors. T.J. Snyder, also a senior, has 23 catches for 204 yards.

Senior Reese Hageman has recovered four fumbles and intercepted two passes.

Marshalltown’s lone win was a 70-0 rout of Waterloo East in its third contest of the season. The Bobcats have opened district action with consecutive losses to Newton (45-14) and Indianola (38-21).

”I see almost all juniors and seniors in their lineup,” Miller said. ”Coach (Don) Knock will have them ready. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him (Knock is a former Iowa State University assistant and an Iowa Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer).”

The Dodgers and Bobcats are meeting for the 49th time on the gridiron since 1967 – a stretch that includes every season from 1967 through this year with the exception of 1991. Marshalltown owns a 25-22-1 edge, though FDSH has won the last three contests.

Miller called the idea of becoming the first Dodger football squad in 64 years to secure a third straight winning season ”something very exciting, for our seniors especially.”

”That fifth (victory) is always an important one,” Miller said. ”To know what it could stand for in (the historical context) of our program – that hopefully gives all of our players a little added incentive.

”It’s always critical to set little goals and build toward something bigger. We’re in the middle of that process as a program. Keeping things headed in the right direction (Friday) is our top priority.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today