Friday was a 2006 playoff rematch

By DAVID ERICKSON

Whitefish Pilot

The Bulldog defense held the Frenchtown Broncs scoreless for 3 1/2 quarters on Friday night's home-opener at Whitefish High School.

Unfortunately, the first half quarter was all the Broncs needed to score two quick touchdowns, a lead Whitefish couldn't overcome. The rest of the game was a messy, rough defensive-struggle on rain-slicked grass, although the Bulldogs managed to get seven points on the board with a 1-yard run by quarterback Alex Elespuru.

Whitefish failed to get points off several long drives, and the Broncs held on to win 14-7. The game was the third nonconference game in a row for the Bulldogs. They don't play a conference game until they travel to Bigfork on Sept. 21.

Although they dropped to 0-3 on the season, head coach Patrick Dryden was impressed with his squad.

"It was really positive," he said. "We went toe-to-toe with a very good football team. It was a playoff atmosphere."

Physically, the Frenchtown squad was impressive, something that was not lost on Dryden.

"They're so big and physical, " he said. "Each game is getting more and more physical. Our hitting has really progressed."

Dryden pointed out that his squad has vastly improved over last year's playoff matchup.

"Frenchtown blasted us in the playoffs last year, and we contained them this year. I was pleased we didn't give up any big plays," he said. "I could tell from talking to their players after the game, they have more respect for us now. I think they were relieved to come out of here with a win."

The Broncs scored on their long opening drive with a 1-yard dive by fullback Shae Berklund. A roughing-the-passer penalty kept that first drive alive for the visitors.

Frenchtown then recovered a Bulldog fumble just minutes later, and they capitalized on the mistake when quarterback David Velasquez scored on a 4-yard run.

After that, the game was a back-and-forth defensive struggle, with players slipping on the wet grass, big hits on both sides, and passes falling incomplete.

"Our defense contained them," said Dryden. "But we turned the ball over too many times. I talked to their coach afterwards, and we both felt the game could have gone either way."

Whitefish's lone TD came in the second quarter on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Alex Elespuru. The Bulldogs had several open receivers down the field in the fourth quarter, but the passes kept falling incomplete. Elespuru had two interceptions on the night, both during critical drives in Frenchtown territory.

To the Bronc's credit, both picks were athletic, leaping catches by defensive backs. Elespuru finished 11-for-19 for 85 yards passing and 12 yards rushing on four attempts.

The Bulldogs take on Hamilton this Friday at home. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Whitefish High School.

Frenchtown 14 0 0 0 — 14

Whitefish 0 7 0 0 — 7