(Bedford, IA) – Bedford faced a great challenge in the first half overall in the game against Exira-EHK as they entered halftime down 14-8. Coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs scored 20 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth. Head coach Jeremy Nally said that his players were trying to do too much in the first half, and rather they needed to just do their own job for the offense to be able to properly thrive.
Garrison Motsinger and Conner Nally were important aspects on the offensive end in the last game for Bedford. Motsinger had two touchdowns and rushed for a total of 190 yards on 21 carries. Nally rushed for 105 yards on 16 carries and also earned a touchdown in the game. The combination of these two really helped to spark the team, especially in the second half, and helped to lead to their win over the Spartans.
Bedford was able to force two fumbles on Exira-EHK while also putting down seven sacks on the stat sheet. Cal Peterman, Silas Walston, and Izaak Dukes had a big impact on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the second half. Peterman had 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Walston earned 3.5 tackles, two sacks, and even had three tackles for loss. To finish off the stat line, Dukes also had two sacks while earning 9.5 tackles.
The Bulldogs have now won ten straight games as they have a quarterfinal game against Lenox tonight. Not only is this an important matchup, it is also a rematch from the regular season between the two. The last time these two teams met, Bedford won 41-30 over the Tigers which took place in week three of football action and is Lenox’s only loss this season. Coach Nally is treating this as any kind of playoff football game, these are two teams that know one another inside and outside which makes this game’s preparation even more impactful.
Lenox has a very talented offense this season. They rely on quarterback Gabe Funk who has thrown for 911 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 1,011 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. They also have other offensive weapons of Jordan Martin-England with 1,024 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Bedford has to protect the ground game, but also cannot allow Lenox to move the ball in the air as that only leads to chunk plays for the Tigers.
Bedford is looking to just continue doing what has made them successful and control the line of scrimmage. If they can keep the Tigers behind the sticks, that will keep them behind on the scoreboard.
Bedford kicks off against Lenox tonight at home with the opening kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
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