COWICHE, WASH.–After numerous pandemic-based disruptions, including athletes from Dayton and Waitsburg being prohibited from practicing as a group, the DW Wolfpack finally climbed on a bus and came to Highland High School where they romped to a 34-0 win last Friday.

This Friday the Wolfpack football program gets back on the bus, only to White Swan against the Cougars. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Wolfpack played in a jamboree in Ritzville on August 28, then covid swirled through the community, splitting athletes from the two schools from practicing together while the September 10 game at Lake Roosevelt was canceled. Coaches held separate practices to keep the players in shape and ready.

"After two weeks of cancellations, DW traveled to Cowiche, Wash., to take on Highland High School," said DW Head Coach Troy Larsen. "I was very proud how our student athletes have fought through the adversity of being shut down for two weeks and getting our whole Defensive and Offensive packages put in this week."

The Wolfpack is a young team with just three seniors, only four returning starters and 18 players who have never played for this DW program, Larsen said, but behind quarterback Monte Pettichord, DW put together a winning combination.

"Monte Pettichord had a day at quarterback, rushing for 175 yards and two touchdowns, passing for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and returning kicks and punts for another 80 yards, totaling 402 yards for the night," Larsen said.

The Wolfpack didn't waste any time, once they got the ball. On the first offensive play, Pettichord connected with receiver Levi Boudrieau for a 30-yard catch and a touchdown.

In the second quarter, Pettichord rambled into the end zone on a five-yard run, then repeated with another five-yard run the next time Dayton-Waitsburg got the ball in the red zone.

It wasn't all the sparkle and glitz of the offense making points. Wolfpack's Theo Anderson counted a safety by tackling a Cougar ball carrier in their end zone. "Anderson led the defense from his defensive end position having 15 tackles, eight solo, three tackles for a loss (TFL), a safety, and punt block," Larsen said.

"Defensively DW played very aggressive football," said Coach Larsen, "and we didn't show our inexperience by flying all over the field. Pettichord showed he can play on both sides of the ball getting seven tackles and blocking Highland's field goal try."

The Wolfpack wrapped up second-quarter scoring with Pettichord hitting Cyson Morris for an eight-yard touchdown.

After a scoreless third quarter, DW finished with a Kaylub Prather two-yard punch into the end zone. "We have had some injuries at running back so Kaylub Prather, a sophomore, stepped up and rushed 10 times for 37 yards while landing multiple key blocks for Pettichord all night," Larsen said.

Dayton-Waitsburg 34, Highland 0.

DW 7 21 0 6-34

Highland 0 0 0 0-0

Scoring

DW: Pettichord to Boudrieau 30 yd TD Pass, Berg Kick.

DW: Pettichord 5 yd TD Run, Kick Failed.

DW: Pettichord 5 yd TD Run, Berg Kick.

DW: Highland Safety (Anderson TFL in the endzone).

DW: Pettichord to Morris 8 yd TD Pass, Kick Failed.

DW: Prather 2 yd TD Run, Kick Failed.

Passing – Pettichord: 11-26-147 yds-2 TD's- Int

Receiving – Marlow 3-78, Boudrieau 2-39-TD, Morris 3-16-TD, Mohney 3-14.

Rushing – 26-227.

Pettichord 15-175-2 TDs, Prather 10-37-TD, Boudrieau 1-15.