The Davidson Raiders senior boys football team (0-3) suffered a devastating 78-25 loss Sept. 27 to the Central Butte Bulldogs (1-2) at The Dog House, but their coach said he is the one to blame for the defeat and not the players on the field.

“On offence we made a couple changes and they were probably mistakes on the coaches part by changing a couple players out thinking that we could help our defence,” said Raiders coach Blair Frederickson. “We took players off offence and put them on defence. We didn’t help that and our offence did nothing in the first half. We flipped players back to where they were the week before in Hanley where our offence had been successful and the second half was better for us.”

By the start of the second half, it was too late. The Bulldogs had a commanding 48-7 lead heading into the third quarter and led 64-13 after those 12 minutes were up.

Frederickson said his team was “out-physical-ed” by Central Butte at the start of the game resulting in the lopsided first half score. He said the coaching staff is working with the players to try and develop a more physical game, but it takes time to learn to be at that level of physicality.

“Our defence played a lot better,” he said. “Our young guys on defence managed to if not stop them at least make them put seven or eight plays together to drive the field. We didn’t give up any more of those lightning fast one play touchdowns, but being so young on defence they were more physical and they were able to push us out of the way.”

Troy Wist, coach of the Bulldogs, said his players came out ready to play. He said their defensive game plan was successful in shutting the Raiders offence down frequently in the early going, which gave their offence the ball back in good situations.

“Offensively we’re still running a very good mix to keep (our opponents) honest of pass and run, inside and outside and deep and short,” said Wist. “They executed well and put up a bit of a point spread (in the first half).”

Frederickson said one great thing about the game in Central Butte is seeing all the parents and fans of his team make the journey out to support his players during the game. He said it amazes him to see people make the hour-and-a-half journey to Central Butte or the three-hour drive to Gull Lake earlier in the season and would like to show his appreciation for their enthusiasm.

“Something that boosts the kids confidence and boosts the program is the support we’re getting in the community and the amount of support we’re getting from our parents,” he said. “It’s gratifying to have not just parent’s support but community support and I think it gets the kids excited.”

To read more please see the October 7 print edition of The Davidson Leader.