In a challenging matchup on September 5, the Drake Bulldogs football team faced off against the formidable third-ranked Montana Grizzlies, ultimately suffering a 45-10 defeat in Missoula, Montana. This loss marks Drake's second consecutive setback of the season, as they previously fell to South Dakota Mines in a close 38-35 contest on August 27.
Drake's quarterback, Riley Warzynski, completed 31 of his 60 pass attempts, accumulating 252 yards through the air. He managed to throw one touchdown pass while maintaining a clean slate without any interceptions. This performance, while commendable, was not enough to secure a victory against a strong Montana team.
Willis Nofsinger emerged as the standout receiver for the Bulldogs, making six catches for 89 yards, which included an impressive 67-yard reception. Despite the scoreline, the Bulldogs displayed moments of offensive prowess, moving the ball effectively at times throughout the game.
Following the game, Drake head coach Matt Walker expressed pride in his team's effort, stating, “We walked off the field feeling pretty bad last week but I am so proud of our kids today. We fought … we moved the football all day. The game was much more even than the score indicated. Montana obviously finished more drives, but we had plenty of opportunities.” Walker acknowledged the challenges posed by Montana, emphasizing the dedication and commitment of his players.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back next weekend when they travel to Cedar Falls to face the Northern Iowa Panthers, a team led by former Drake head coach Todd Stepsis. The matchup is set to take place inside the UNI-Dome at 1 p.m. on September 12, providing Drake with a chance to regroup and improve their season record.
As the season progresses, the Bulldogs will need to harness their offensive potential and tighten their defense to compete effectively in the challenging landscape of FCS football.
Leave a Comment