Will Bay City Western's Game Slip Away Without Dow's Thrilling Performance?

In a disappointing performance for the Bay City Western Warriors, the team faced a heavy defeat against Midland Dow, losing 42-12 in a Saginaw Valley League North contest. The game marked a stark contrast to their previous encounters, as Dow dominated early and maintained control throughout the match.

Last updated: 09 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Game

• Bay City Western struggled offensively, with three interceptions thrown.
• Midland Dow established an early lead, scoring 35 points by halftime.
• Brayden Hitts scored a notable pick-six for the Warriors.
• Quarterback Bryce Sarnowski had a strong passing performance despite the loss.
• Next week, the Warriors will face Flint Carman-Ainsworth during homecoming.

Game Overview

The Warriors' game against Midland Dow began with a series of unfortunate events. On their first possession, Bay City Western fumbled, setting a negative tone for the rest of the game. Coach Chris Willertz noted that the Warriors were unable to respond effectively to the early pressure from Dow, saying, “They came out and punched us in the mouth and we didn’t respond.”

Midland Dow, currently boasting a record of 3-1 and 1-1 in the league, capitalised on Bay City Western's mistakes. The first half saw Dow scoring consistently, leading to a staggering 35-0 by halftime. This outcome was a significant contrast to last year’s closely contested game, which ended in a low-scoring 3-2 victory for Dow.

Second Half Performance

Despite the disappointing scoreline, the Warriors did manage to show some resilience in the second half. Coach Willertz remarked, “At least in the second half we responded. We said ‘Let’s play football and not worry about the score.’” This shift in mentality allowed Bay City Western to find the end zone twice, albeit too late to change the outcome of the game.

Standout Players

One of the bright spots for the Warriors was linebacker Brayden Hitts, who scored a 45-yard pick-six, giving Bay City Western their first points of the game. Quarterback Bryce Sarnowski also had a decent outing, completing 9 of 12 passes for 107 yards. His connection with Brody Andrus culminated in a fourth-quarter touchdown pass, further adding to the Warriors' score.

Offensive Struggles

Despite the individual successes, the team's overall offensive performance was hindered by turnovers. The Warriors threw three interceptions during the match, which significantly impacted their ability to maintain momentum and compete effectively against a strong Dow defence. Alex Davenport was a notable contributor in the passing game, catching four passes for 43 yards. Additionally, Larry Bowes led the rushing attack, managing 76 yards on 10 carries.

Defensive Challenges

Bay City Western's defence faced significant challenges throughout the game. Midland Dow's passing attack was particularly effective, with the team racking up 307 passing yards. This lack of defensive cohesion will be a key area for improvement as the Warriors prepare for their next matchup.

Looking Ahead

As the Warriors prepare for their next game against Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Coach Willertz emphasised the need for mental and physical toughness. He stated, “We’ve got to get a whole lot tougher -- mentally tougher and physically tougher -- and be able to handle adversity if we’re going to be a winning team this season.” This message will resonate with the players as they look to turn things around during homecoming week.

Conclusion

The game against Midland Dow served as a wake-up call for Bay City Western. With a 2-2 record and 0-2 in the league, the Warriors will need to regroup and refocus on their strengths ahead of their upcoming challenges. The emphasis on mental toughness and resilience will be crucial in their quest for improvement as they navigate the rest of the season.

As Bay City Western heads into homecoming, the team will be eager to put this defeat behind them and pursue a more promising outcome against Flint Carman-Ainsworth. Will they be able to rise to the occasion and showcase the potential Coach Willertz believes they possess? Only time will tell. #HighSchoolFootball #BayCityWestern #MidlandDow

FAQs

What was the final score of the Bay City Western vs Midland Dow game?

The final score was 42-12 in favour of Midland Dow.

Who scored for Bay City Western during the game?

Brayden Hitts scored a pick-six, and Bryce Sarnowski connected with Brody Andrus for a touchdown pass.

What does Bay City Western need to improve on moving forward?

Bay City Western needs to enhance their mental and physical toughness, along with reducing turnovers to improve their performance.

When is Bay City Western's next game?

Bay City Western will host Flint Carman-Ainsworth next Friday during homecoming.

What was the record of Midland Dow after the game?

Midland Dow improved their record to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the league after the victory.