Coyotes Down Bulldogs in Season Opener

PEETZ--The Potter-Dix Coyotes and Peetz Bulldogs kicked off the 2024 season with an opening-day matchup in Peetz on Thursday, August 29. The two teams are powerhouses in their respective leagues, and the matchup proved to be an exciting contest, with Potter-Dix coming out on top, 62-to-43.

Peetz received the opening kickoff but had difficulty getting anything going on offense. They were forced to punt on fourth down, but a bad snap prevented a punt, and Potter-Dix took over for their first possession on the Peetz 11-yard line. Potter-Dix then had their own offensive struggles. They were able to move the ball down to the Bulldog's four-yard line, but the Peetz boys held up well and forced a fourth-down attempt. A pass fell incomplete to turn the ball over on downs, and Peetz started their second possession from their four-yard line. The Bulldogs were only able to pick up a few yards and were forced to punt. The punt was not very long, and Potter-Dix started their second possession from the Bulldog's 29-yard line. On third down, the ball was pitched to Potter-Dix junior Dylan Tabor, and he was able to beat the Peetz defense to the edge, and took the ball up the sidelines 20 yards for a touchdown. The extra point kick was good, and Potter-Dix opened an 8-to-0 lead with 5:52 left in the first quarter.

Peetz received the ensuing kickoff and returned the ball to their 36-yard line. On their first down of the drive, Peetz sophomore Dylan Wagner found fellow sophomore Tanner Wood, in between the front line defenders and secondary and completed a pass that Wood was able to turn upfield, cut through the pursuing defenders, and run 44 yards for a touchdown. Peetz converted an extra point kick and the score was knotted at 8-to-8.

The big plays continued on both sides, with Tabor taking the ensuing kickoff all the way down to the Peetz 31, and eventually scoring. Peetz battled back but fell behind as the Potter-Dix offense started firing on all cylinders. However, the Bulldogs were able to get their offense going again in the second half to narrow the lead and keep the game competitive. It was not enough to catch up to the Coyotes, and Potter-Dix took the victory 62-to-43.

Potter-Dix Head Coach Dale Frerichs said after the game, "We played well, but had too many penalties, which we will get cleaned up during our bye week. Our deficiencies are very correctable, and that will be our main focus at practice this week. The Peetz team played very well and their coaches made great adjustments during halftime to keep it close."

Potter-Dix's Dylan Tabor had an outstanding game, completing three passes for touchdowns and rushing 14 times for 253 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Dawson Monheiser had 12 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns. For Peetz, sophomore Conner Schumacher also had an outstanding game, carrying the ball 17 times for 111 yards and four touchdowns in the loss. Potter-Dix has a bye week, and Peetz will travel to Caliche on Saturday, September 7 for a 7:30 p.m. matchup with the Buffaloes.