Bulldogs defeat PV again, look towards quaterfinal

On a cold October night, the Bulldogs suited up to play crosstown rival Pleasant Valley for the second time of the season. The Bulldogs had a 32-7 record against PV all time, and they made that 33-7 last Friday with a 28-14 victory over the Spartans, ending PV’s run for the coveted state semifinal at the UNI Dome that they have yet to reach in their program.

The standouts for the game include quarterback Carter Bell, who once again had a star outing. Bell completed six of nine passing attempts (66.7 percent completion) for 98 yards and had a 73 yard passing TD on the night. Bell also rushed for 80 yards and picked up a rushing TD to go with his passing TD. Running back Nijel McIntosh also was among the standouts once again with 196 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving was less dispersed between the receiving core, but senior Ben Wilson had a quite a night. Wilson had four receptions for 93 yards including a 73 yard TD reception from Bell. 

The defense was led by junior Alex Blizzard who had 11 tackles on the night. Behind Blizzard is Jatten Kuhrt with nine tackles and two sacks and Rocky Schoenfelder with two sacks as well. Senior Dustin Harris had the game-ending interception, and now leads the team in the interception category with four on the season.

With only eight teams still practicing in 4-A Iowa football this week, the Bulldogs are looking towards the UNI Dome. Losing in the first round of the playoffs last fall, the Dogs have a chance to return to the Dome and compete in the semifinals against either Iowa City West or Cedar Falls; however, the Dogs must first defeat a promising North Scott.

The Lancers of Eldridge have had a progressive season, becoming more and more known throughout the state as the season went on. Now, the Lancers are one of those last eight teams alive and also look to reach the UNI Dome. North Scott sits at 9-1, and lost to Davenport Assumption in the opening game of the season. Since that defeat, the Lancers have reeled off nine straight wins, much like the Bulldogs who have been undefeated since their season opener loss to West Des Moines Valley. 

Last Friday while Bettendorf was taking down the Spartans, North Scott shutout the Davenport Central Blue Devils and moved on to play at TouVelle Stadium this Friday The Lancers rely heavily on their strong running game with quarterback Nile McLaughlin and running back Jared Russ who have combined for 33 of the team’s 42 rushing touchdowns. North Scott’s defense is led by Drew Durant (52 tackles), Zach Peterson (49.5 tackles, nine sacks), and Carson Rollinger (three interceptions). The stage is set for the Iowa class 4-A football quarterfinal in Bettendorf this Friday, with the two teams residing from the QC area. This year, a team from the Mississippi Athletic Conference that was dismantled years ago for football is guaranteed to represent the Quad Cities at the UNI Dome. The question is: will it be the perennial powerhouse Bettendorf or the up and coming Lancers of North Scott?