DANVILLE, Ind – Frankfort faced an undefeated Danville Warriors team Friday that got out to a fast start scoring on its first three possessions and doing so without taking much time off of the clock.
The Hot Dogs found themselves down 21-0 with 7:18 left in the first quarter with only one offensive series of its own. As with last week’s game against Western Boone, FHS saw their opponent take advantage of a short field.
Danville’s first score took just 20-seconds after receiving the Hot Dogs opening kickoff. Three plays were all the Warriors needed to move the ball 41-yards and the first points were the result of an Ethan Durta 4-yard run. Their next score came after holding the Dogs to a three-and-out. A strong punt return by Brayton McMahon placed the ball at the Hot Dogs 27-yard line – leading to a Kale Payne 3-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Doston.
The third score of the opening quarter came after an Ivan Duarte fumble on the ensuing kickoff that was recovered at the Hot Dogs 28-yard line. Payne connected with Dominick Wynn on a 19-yard touchdown pass.
“It’s tough to defend a short field,” said FHS Coach James Byers. “We’ve got to get off of the bus, we’ve got to get off of the bus ready to play. We spot them 21-points – you take that away and it’s a 24-12 game.”
Frankfort got on the scoreboard with 3:45 left in the 2nd quarter after an Ivan Duarte punt took a funny hop and went off of the foot of the Warriors’ punt returner, Luke Wooten – Reece Mitchell was there to recover the fumble on the Warriors 40-yard line.
Hot Dogs quarterback Sam Michael went to work moving the ball down the field connecting on all three pass attempts – 12-yards to Jade Ayer and twice to Riley Goodnight, 7-yards, and 9-yards.
On a third-and-two from the 6-yard line, Goodnight found the space to reach the endzone. The two-point attempt failed – making the score 31-6.
“I’m really proud of the way our guys battled tonight,” coach Byers said. “I’m proud they kept playing, they kept playing hard. We got down 21 and that is when they seemed to pick up their intensity.”
The final FHS scoring drive took place as time expired in the 4th quarter. Michael found Kyle Earl, with toes just inside the right sideline of the endzone, for a 4-yard passing score – with time expired the officials did not set-up for an extra point attempt.
“I’m proud of them playing four quarters,” coach Byers added. “I’m proud our way the offense started to get back in rhythm.”
The final score of 45-12 moves the Dogs to 3-4 for the season and 1-3 in conference play. Danville goes to 5-0, 4-0.
Michael finished the evening with 72-yards passing – connecting on 12-of-22 attempts, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He added 2-yards of rushing on 10 carries.
Goodnight rushed for 44-yards on 20 carries, with 1 touchdown. He also had 6 receptions for 29-yards. Ayers had 3 receptions for 32-yards and Earl had 3 receptions for 11-yards and 1 touchdown.
Defensively Frankfort was led by Reece Mitchell with 10 tackles in addition to the fumble recovery. Bryce McDonald and Ayers both had interceptions.
The Hotdogs continue Sagamore Conference play on Friday at North Montgomery, (5-2,2-2), who lost to Tri-West on Friday, 35-6.
“We’ve got a big test week with North (Montgomery), said coach Byers. “North (Montgomery) is a great team. Coach (Josh) Thompson does a terrific job down there. They’ve got a couple players – (Jacob Braun) is a big strong kid. So, we have to get off of the bus ready to play next week.”
WARRIORS 45, HOT DOGS 12
Danville;28;10;7;0;-;45
Frankfort;0;6;0;6;-;12
Scoring Summary
1st Qtr (11:33) Danville. Ethan Durta 4-yard run. Braden Walliser extra point kick good. 7-0.
1st Qtr (7:45) Danville.Tyler Doston 3-yard pass from Kale Payne. Braden Walliser extra point kick good. 14-0.
1st Qtr (7:18) Danville. Dominick Wynn 19-yard pass from Kale Payne. Braden Walliser extra point kick good. 21-0.
1st Qtr (2:06) Danville. Matthew McGovern 37-yard run. Braden Walliser extra point kick good. 28-0.
2nd Qtr (8:27) Danville. Braden Walliser 39-yard field goal. 31-0.
2nd Qtr (3:45) Frankfort. Riley Goodnight 6-yard run. Two-point conversion failed. 31-6.
2nd Qtr (1:23) Danville. Dominick Wynn 12-yard pass from Kale Payne. Braden Walliser extra point kick good. 38-6.
3rd Qtr (7:55) Danville. Matthew McGovern 41-yard run. Braden Walliser extra point kick good. 45-6.
4th Qtr (0:00) Frankfort. Kyle Earl 4-yard pass from Sam Michael. 45-12.
