Bettendorf spoils Cedar Falls’ undefeated season and moves into semis

On Friday, Nov. 8, the football team defeated an undefeated Cedar Falls team 24-14 in the UNI Dome for a spot in the state semifinals.

Touchdowns were scored on two runs by Harrison Bey-Buie and a touchdown pass from Joe Byrne to AJ Douglas.

Reed Shea was perfect on PATs (point after attempts) and also made a field goal to extend the lead late in the game.

The defense was getting stops during the whole game. Reed Shea had an interception and a fumble recovery early to build momentum, and Joe Byrne caught an interception to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

“It was a giant relief. It’s been eight years since Bettendorf has won in the Dome, it feels great to be the team to do it,” said senior Joe Byrne.

The turnovers helped, but the defense had to grind out multiple stops during the game to get the offense back on the field.

“We do a good job of stopping the run first and making them throw the ball,” said senior Keaton Staley.

After playing outdoors all season, playing inside on different turf can be a big change for the team. Since it was a playoff game, the UNI Dome was packed.

“It was crazy. The student sections were going at it while two good teams were battling,” said Byrne.

The Bulldogs will visit the Dome again this Friday to play West Des Moines Valley in the state semifinals.

The Valley Tigers are undefeated and just recently beat Waukee 26-10 to secure their spot in the semifinals.

With the biggest game of the season coming up for both teams, lots of preparation will be necessary.

“We are gonna be practicing at the Bettplex all week to get used to the indoors,” said Byrne.

The Bettplex is home to a full indoor turf soccer/football field and is very helpful to local sports teams looking to get out of the cold.

The Bulldogs are in a win or go home situation, and for the seniors, they do not want this to be their last game.

“We don’t want to leave any regrets,” said Staley.

The Bulldogs play the Tigers at 4 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 15, in the UNI Dome. The school is providing buses to the game for $30 to get to and from the game for those wanting to go.

If the Bulldogs win, they will play in the 4A state championship game the following week.