Wasson blasted/ 24-point fourth-quarter barrage lifts Dakota Ridge

Dakota Ridge blasted its way to a 34-7 victory on Wasson's home District 11 Stadium field Thursday.

Wasson only trailed by three points early in the fourth quarter before a 24-point blitz put the Thunderbirds away.

Early in the fourth quarter, a substitution penalty against Wasson and a failed fourth-down play helped set up a first-and-10 on Wasson's 12-yard line for Dakota Ridge. Zach Payne then scored for the Eagles, widening their lead to 17-7.

Two more Dakota Ridge touchdowns were made by Steve Mueller and Payne, making it 31-7.

An interception later in the quarter by Dakota Ridge's Nick Granruth allowed Jatt Janusz to kick a 31-yard field goal, making it 34-7.

A final interception by Granruth again put the Eagles in scoring position, but time did not allow Dakota Ridge to capitalize on the final chance.

Dakota Ridge utilized several timeouts near the end of the second quarter to get motivated and "play with great emotion," coach Jay Madden said. The Eagles took an lead of 10-0 in the first half.

In the first quarter, Payne scored the first touchdown, putting the Eagles up 7-0.

The second quarter saw the Eagles penetrating into Wasson territory, putting Janusz into position to kick a 30-yard field goal, making it 10-0.

In the third quarter, Wasson was forced to punt after failing to complete a pass on third-and-12. Mark Steinbeck returned the ball to Dakota Ridge's 48-yard line, giving the Eagles good field position.

Roc Alexander, however, turned that around with an interception, running the ball 53 yards into Dakota Ridge's end zone, cutting the deficit to 10-7.

- Jonathan Clark may be reached at 636-0250 or gtsports@gazette.com

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