By Loyal Baker

MABTON–The DW Wolfpack overcame challenges and rallied from a 14-12 halftime deficit to win 32-20 over the Mabton Vikings in the third game of the six-game covid season. The game underscored the extremes of the season, which started in February's deep snow and was played in temperatures that overheated one DW player.

Dayton-Waitsburg, now 2-1 after last week's loss to TriCities Prep, hosts River View this Friday in Waitsburg, kickoff at 7 p.m. It will be DW's Homecoming Game, and Senior Night, and under modified covid rules, spectators will be allowed to attend.

The Wolfpack-the newly adopted mascot for the DW Athletic Combine-scored on Monte Pettichord passes, three touchdown strikes to Shawn Evans, a thrilling quick pass to Mason Finney who hustled 80 yards down the sideline and a throw to Colton VanBlaricom. Pettichord completed 13 of 30 passes for 283 yards, those five touchdowns, and two interceptions, a 22-yards per catch average.

DW opened with a 22-yard Pettichord to Evans pass to take a 6-0 first-quarter lead. Evans pulled in six Pettichord passes for 107 yards of offense in the game.

The 5-9, 130-lb. sophomore hit Evans for a five-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but the Vikings got on the scoreboard with two touchdowns and extra points to hold a 14-12 lead at half time.

By the second half, according to Head Coach Troy Larsen, the team settled down, cutting down on mistakes. "We were out of sorts," Larsen commented, "not really prepared to play a game at 1 p.m. on a Saturday. Getting on the bus at 9:15, driving a couple hours, no locker rooms because of covid, dressing on the field...everything is a little different. We kind of felt rushed."

One player had to leave the game due to heat exhaustion, but recovered quickly and returned in the second half, Larsen said.

DW's defense had a good day, breaking up seven Mabton passes. The Vikings only scores were on broken plays. "No matter how disciplined you are," Larsen said, "if their quarterback gets to scramble for 20 seconds, someone's going to get open."

In the third quarter, Pettichord threw a 45-yard pass to Evans for the go-ahead 18-14 score, and the Wolfpack never looked back.

Then Finney was open for a quick pass and he ignited excitement with an 80-yard run to the end zone. "We did a good job with the run-pass-option," Larsen said. "They were super aggressive and once they step in for the run, it opens it up for quick pops to receivers. Finney down the sideline for 80 yards, that was a lot of fun." Hunter Berg's point-after kick was good and it was 25-14.

In the fourth quarter, VanBlaricom hauled in a 32-yard pass for six, and Berg's boot made it final, 32-20, after Mabton managed one more touchdown.

The effective passing game was balanced by the run threat from Pettichord and sophomore running back Hudson Reser. "Reser kept Mabton honest by rushing 12-51, mixing runs on the inside and outside with Pettichord making some nice reads and pulling the ball for five carries for 43 yards, respectfully," Larsen said.

In addition to the tough defense, Wolfpack linebackers did a good job containing, Larsen said, and counted three quarterback sacks. "Sophomore linebacker Benny Bryan had a breakout game with 12 tackles while Colton VanBlaricom flew around from his safety position for 11 tackles," Larsen said. "Mason Finney, Adam Puckett, and Theo Anderson continued to have solid defensive games with 10 tackles a piece.

Dayton-Waitsburg 32, Mabton 20

DW 6 6 13 7-32

Mab 0 14 0 6-20

Scoring Drives.

DW: Pettichord to Evans 22 yd TD Pass, Kick Failed.

DW: Pettichord to Evans 5 yd TD Pass, 2 pt conversion failed.

DW: Pettichord to Evans 45 yd TD Pass, 2 pt conversion failed.

DW: Pettichord to Finney 80 yd TD Pass, Berg kick.

DW: Pettichord to VanBlaricom 32 yd TD Pass, Berg kick.

Passing-Pettichord: 13-30-283 yards, 2 INTs, 5 TDs.

Receiving -Evans: 6-107-3 TDs, Finney: 3-104 TD, VanBlaricom: 3-57 TD, Mohney: 1-15.

Rushing:19-94 yds. Reser: 12-51, Pettichord: 5-43, Finney: 2-0.