The #2 (1A) Dike-New Hartford football team capitalized on early scoring opportunities and overpowered South Hamilton 55-22 in Friday’s 1A second round, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ.
After forcing a South Hamilton turnover on downs on the game’s first drive, the Wolverines capitalized on a short field and scored on a seven-yard jet sweep by Devon Lotts. They continued to pour it on with the first of four touchdown runs by Noah Borcherding, and Carson Costello had a deep receiving touchdown from Colin Meester. Tyson Bennett recorded an interception, then blocked a punt, scooped up the ball, and scored a special teams touchdown from 35 yards out. The Wolverines surged to a 48-6 halftime lead.
Jake Reicks returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown 68 yards for a
touchdown, and DNH led 55-6. The Hawks battled through some second half sloppiness and scored twice after the game was put out of reach. Head Coach Don Betts.
“I thought our kids came out ready to play and that’s I think really important at this point in the season when you’re starting to get these really good football teams who are still in the playoffs, and you’ve got to come out ready to play and head into what you’re doing,” Betts says. “I thought our kids did a great job of that. Got that quick start we wanted, three and out, and the punt return set us up for that touchdown and then we just rolled from there. Just real proud of our kids and how prepared they were.”
Betts on the contributions of Tyson Bennett.
“Tyson Bennett’s one of those quiet playmakers that we have. He’s just so incredibly talented. We can put him in at tailback and he can play there defensively. He does a great job defensively and then special teams. He’s really started to pick that up. He had that first scoop on the shanked punt that set up for that first touchdown. He had a block punt and then scooped that one and took that one in and had an interception. Played defensively very, very well also. And Tyson’s had a really good year, but it’s been one of those quiet years. But he just quietly does things right and a big part of what we do.”
Borcherding had 11 carries for 140 yards and four touchdowns, Meester was 5/9 passing for 63 yards and a score, and Conner Dancer led defensively with seven tackles.
DNH (9-1) will host #5 (1A) South Hardin in next week’s 1A quarterfinal round on 104.9 KLMJ.
Don Betts interview:
