Wheatland hands Patriots first loss

he Upton-Sundance Patriots were dealt their first loss Friday, at the hands of the number one ranked Wheatland Bulldogs. 

The Patriots went into the game knowing the Bulldogs were going to be tough. Defensive coach Lance Hofland commented that, "One key component of the game would be our offense and defensive line. We are undersized and rely on technique, angles and quickness to be effective. Our DB's have to be ready to play as they have a good receiving core coming back and a QB that can throw the ball deep."

The opening minutes of the game had plenty of fireworks as both teams exchanged long distance touchdowns. The Bulldogs were first on the board.

After forcing the Patriots to punt, the Bulldogs scored with a 72-yard punt return, followed by a successful two-point conversion which put the Wheatland Bulldogs up 8-0. The Patriot offense was quick to respond as quarterback Keaton Mills found Luca Brooks for an 80-yard reception and the Patriots were into the endzone for six points.

Unfortunately, the Patriots seemed to struggle offensively and defensively for the remainder of the first half. The Bulldogs took advantage of the Patriot confusion and scored two more times, one on a 96-yard interception return, throughout the first half. Going into the break, the Patriots found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing 6-24. 

The second half saw the scores increase as both teams exchanged touchdowns throughout the third quarter. The Bulldogs once again found their way into the endzone first with a 14-yard run, but the Patriots were able to answer with Reece Barritt making his way into the endzone on a 64-yard run.

As the third quarter drew to a close, Kade Preuit found a gap on the field making a 34-yard dash into the endzone for the Bulldogs. The Patriots had time for one more run before the quarter drew to a close and Luca Brooks took the kickoff 88 yards, into the endzone, for another Patriot score. Both teams were able to add to their respective scores, but the 18-point gap for the Patriots remained with the score 20-38, with one quarter left to play.

The Patriots worked hard throughout the fourth quarter to close the gap. Defensively they were able to keep the Bulldogs out of the endzone.

On the offensive end Keaton Mills found Luca Brooks one more time, sending him into the endzone with a 61-yard reception. A successful two-point conversion by Kaedyn Fletcher brought the Patriots final score to 28, just shy of the Bulldogs 38.

The Upton Sundance Patriots move to a 2-1 overall record and 1-1 conference. They will face the Torrington Trailblazers on Friday in Upton.

Stats

Rushing:

Reece Barritt – 7 carries for 146 yards and 1 TD

Ryder Downey – 4 carries for 18 yards

Levi Rudloff – 7 carries for 17 yards

Keaton Mills – 6 carries for 10 yards

Kaedyn Fletcher – 3 carries for 7 yards

Passing:

K. Mills – 4 for 17, 165 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT

Receiving:

Luca Brooks – 2 for 141 yards and 2 TDs

L. Rudloff – 2 for 24 yards

Top 5 Defensive:

Reece Barritt – 20 points: 2 assisted tackles, 6 unassisted tackles and 3 pass break ups

Levi Rudloff – 18 points: 9 AT, 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack

Nathan Baker – 18 points: 5 AT, 2 UT and 3 TFL

Jeral Nehl – 13 points: 5 AT, 2 TFL and 1 PBU

Chase Mills – 12.5 points: 2 AT, 2 UT, .5 TFL and 1 fumble recovery