The McDermitt High School football team took on Owyhee Saturday in its first league game of the season.
The Bulldogs scored well, but the Braves dominated them 78-31.
After losing a non-conference game last week to Pyramid Lake 52-38, the McDermitt squad was looking to get their five game league season underway.
“We were down in the trenches and our tackling was very poor, we have to work on that next week,” coach Richard Egan said after the loss. “We also have to get in better condition with only nine players,” he continued. Owyhee brought 15 players to the contest. “Ben got injured on the second play of the game, that might have been the difference today."
The Braves rang up 20 un-answered points before the Bulldogs got on the scoreboard with a Ben Draunidalo touchdown run.
McDermitt was still close at the half, trailing Owyhee 34-24.
Four quick touchdowns in the beginning of the third quarter put the Braves well out in front. They tacked on a few more in the fourth quarter, including a long run for a score on the final play of the game.
“Their line was just too big, we could not control them," said Bulldog quarterback Jagger Hinkey. "I am very proud of my guys, they play hard. Four of our guys are playing for the first time. I thank my coaches Richard Egan and Jack Smith; they do a really good job with us kids and stick right by our side. We are going to keep our heads up and get ready for Wells this weekend.”
McDermitt plays at 7 p.m. on Friday in Wells, before returning home to take on Eureka on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 1 p.m.
Carlin comes to town on Oct. 13 at 1 p.m., and the Bulldogs travel to Independence (Elko) for their last game of league play on Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.
“Next week we go to Wells and they are always tough, so we have to buckle down and do a lot of things right," Egan said. "This was our first league game, anything can happen.”
