Patriots host Bulldogs for Homecoming game

It was a picture-perfect evening for the Upton-Sundance Patriots home opener and Homecoming game against the Wheatland Bulldogs on Friday night at Croell Field. As the game began, both teams showcased their defense, and by the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard remained 0-0.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with defenses holding firm until the final two minutes as the Wheatland Bulldogs began to make a push toward the goal line. Facing a first and goal, the Bulldogs broke through, into the endzone, taking a 6-0 lead.

Opting for a two-point conversion, Wheatland extended their lead, 8-0, heading into the halftime break. 

The second half saw each team struggle with ball control, as a series of fumbles left neither side able to capitalize on the opportunities. The Patriot defense, however, put the team on the board, sacking the Bulldog quarterback in the end zone for a safety and cutting the score 8-2 with 7:31 left in the third quarter.

Just as the momentum started to shift in the Patriots favor, Wheatland answered back with a touchdown to close out the third quarter, increasing their lead, 15-2.

As the fourth quarter began, the Patriots refused to back down. Quarterback Eli Gill connected with Rhett Watt for a 42-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the score 15-8. Despite the shift in momentum, the Patriots ran out of time and fell to the Wheatland Bulldogs 15-8.

The Upton-Sundance Patriots will travel to Moorcroft this week to face Wolves on Friday night. 

Stats

Offense:

Rushing: Gill 9/51, Schiller 8/34, Keller 1/-2

Passing: Gill 3/12/52 1TD

Receiving: Watt 2/48 1 TD, Schiller 1/4

Defense:

Eli Gill: 11 assisted tackles, 7 unassisted tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble

Jaedyn Keller: 8 assisted tackles, 3 unassisted tackles, .5 tackles for loss

Trey Schneider: 12 assisted tackles, 1 unassisted tackle, .5 tackles for loss

Special Teams:

Kickoffs: Parker Skeens 2 kickoffs, 75yds

Punting: Parker Skeens 5 punts, 180 yds

Kickoff Returns: Rhett Watt 2 returns, 42 yds; Jaedyn Keller: 2 returns, 24 yds

Punt Returns: Parker Skeens 2 returns, 20 yds

See https://www.sundancetimes.com/photos/09_26_2024 for more photos.