Davenport’s Bulldogs kept Weleetka out of the end zone until the fourth quarter and passed their first big test of the year, beating Weleetka, 28-8, Friday night.
The Dawgs went into the game with a streak of 45ing three straight opponents without giving up a touchdown.
The Outlaws, who have been state champions and state runnersup the last two years, got on the scoreboard and took the game for four full quarters. Other than that, it was a pretty good statement win by Davenport.
“It’s been business as usual,” said head coach Grant Powell. “We haven’t gotten too high or too low.
“We can 45 people and beat a good team like Weleetka, but we still have to win our district.”
The Bulldogs are 4-0 now and still ranked No. 1 in Class B-1I going into Friday night’s Homecoming match with Depew, 3-1 and ranked No. 4.
Powell had high praise for his defense in the win over Weleetka, crediting the linemen and linebackers.
“We were led by our defensive line, Conner Tipton, Laken Durbin, Adam Tweedy, Gage Mason and Tristan Williams, along with our linebackers Brody Robinson and Chace Buchanan,” he said.
Powell said they put pressure on the Weleetka quarterback all night, leading to the Bulldogs winning the turnover battle.
The defensive forced five turnovers and sacked the quarterback three times.
Buchanan had two interceptions and a fumble recovery and Carter Marshall and Reece Murfin intercepted passes.
On offense, the Bulldogs got most of their offense on the ground, racking up 238 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries. They finished with 267 yards total offense.
Quarterback Chase Mitchell completed four of 14 throws for 29 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Buchanan caught one of those passes for six yards and carried the ball 16 times for 127 yards and two scores.
Brody Robinson ran 22 times for 59 yards and caught a pass for five yards.
Aydan Stancell had seven carries for 29 yards and Reece Murfin carried twice for 21 yards and caught two balls for 28 yards and a score.
Up next is Depew, which has gone 3-1 and beat Yale, 50-0, last week.
“It’s kind of a Bedlam game that’s important to our communities,” Powell said.
He said the Bulldogs biggest challenge will be containing Hornets’ receiver Wyatt Osborn. Powell said the Hornets try to get the ball to Osborn in a variety of ways, including jet sweeps as well as passes.
Davenport and Depew have one common opponent - Maud.
Depew beat the Tigers, 58-8, in their opener a week before the Bulldogs beat them, 50-0.
After Depew comes a road game at 1-2 Yale and then district play.
Thus far, District B-II-4 has been strong, with only Gans having a losing record.
The Dawgs are the only unbeaten team, but Keota and Wetumka are 3-1 and Webbers Falls is 2-2.