Cardinals Soar Over the Bulldogs

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg's football team beat the Dayton Bulldogs 54-22 at home on Friday, September 27. The win makes it three in a row for the Cardinals, who started strong, leading 46-8 at halftime.

Jarod Hankins had another great defensive game, sacking the Dayton quarterback three times and making 15 tackles. JJ Gleason played big on defense. He intercepted a pass and ran for a touchdown, deflected five passes, caused two fumbles, recovered a fumble, and made 13 tackles. Brenton Segraves and Tucker Hamilton each had 13 total tackles. Victor Whitmore and Koyen Fortune were each credited with a sack and nine tackles.

Karen Huwe

Isa Reyes #3 runs into the end zone alongside #2 JJ Gleason after Gleason made an interception (a pick and 6.)

On offense, quarterback Isa Reyes had a career-high in rushing for 186 yards, scoring three touchdowns and two conversions. Fortune scored two touchdowns. Dayton couldn't stop Waitsburg's running game, which finished with 281 rushing yards.

Coach Kiefel was proud of how his boys played against Dayton, knowing many played against family and friends.

"I wish the Dayton kids well, but we cannot play differently than any other week. We are striving to meet our potential so when we step on the field, it is all business," said Kiefel.

He said the Bulldogs are well-coached and making progress. Bulldog quarterback Jordan McCowen, Denver Hutchens, and Byron Collier played hard.

"I am happy to be on the winning end of our match. Dayton will be tough for the next couple of years," said Kiefel.

Waitsburg has a 3-1 record, and Dayton dropped to 1-2 with the loss. 

The Cardinals play at Tekoa-Rosalia on Friday, October 4, and the Bulldogs will play at Garfield-Palouse on Saturday, October 5.