Bulldogs bite back in overtime win

COLFAX - Never back a dog into a corner.

The Colfax Bulldogs came back from 22 points down at halftime to secure a 30-28 win in overtime against the Liberty (Spangle) Lancers on Friday, Oct. 11. A 2-point conversion after a touchdown in overtime was the deciding factor.

"I thought our ability to bounce back from adversity was impressive," Colfax coach Dave Cofer said. "We have focused on that all year, going through adversity with no loss of enthusiasm."

Early in the first quarter, Liberty senior Maddex Strobel caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from senior Coleman Tee to open the scoring. The Lancers faked the point-after-touchdown (PAT) kick and ran in the end zone for a 2-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead.

Colfax sophomore quarterback Ryker Reed scrambled on a later play and fumbled the ball at the Colfax 10-yard line. A Lancer picked the ball up and ran in for a touchdown. This time there was no fake on the PAT and the run was good, giving Liberty a 16-0 lead.

"I thought our defense played well all night," Cofer said. "When you break down the scores in the first half, they came off two trick plays and a defensive touchdown by them. We are starting to get more consistent play and our pursuit angles continue to improve."

In the second quarter, Liberty sophomore Drew Piersol caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Tee. This time the PAT run failed and the Lancers had a 22-0 lead heading into halftime.

"The biggest thing that we needed to do was take care of the ball on offense and eliminate self-inflicted penalties and mistakes," Cofer said. "When you're in a situation like that I think it's important to eliminate the big picture and focus on the smaller steps in the process and how to make minor adjustments to get back on track."

In the third quarter, Reed again made up for the fumble by blasting in a 31-yard touchdown run on a quarterback keeper. Reed also got the PAT run and the Bulldogs were on the board win a 22-8 deficit.

Two minutes later, Reed fought through the Lancers defense and ran in a 5-yard touchdown run, adding the PAT run, and putting the Bulldogs within a score.

"I thought our coaching staff did a great job of working together to come up with some small adjustments that were simple for the guys and ended up making a big impact," Cofer said. "Our energy was also much better coming out for the second half and it started with our sideline. That allowed us to take momentum and keep it on our side."

At the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs were down, 22-16.

With under 3:30 to go in the game, Colfax senior John Largent ran in a 9-yard touchdown run, but the PAT failed and the Bulldogs tied the game at 22 all.

Both teams battled on defense to close out regulation and the game went to overtime.

"The main thing that was different in the second half was the turnovers we were able to create," Cofer said. "Tyler Hough came up with a huge interception, Issac Nelson had a strip sack and we were able to get in and block a punt to set up our last touchdown in regulation for the tie."

To start overtime, Nelson punched in a 3-yard touchdown run for a Bulldogs score. Reed ended up being the decider as he ran in the 2-point conversion for Colfax to take a 30-22 lead.

For Liberty's turn on offense, Piersol caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Tee. Before the PAT conversion, the teams took a moment to work out their plays. The Bulldogs defense came up big on the PAT, stopping the Lancers runner and Colfax won the game, 30-28.

"The main focus during the time out was to remind our guys to stay disciplined and do your job," Cofer said. "Big moments in a game can break down when everyone wants to make the big play and try to do it by stepping out of their assignment. I thought our kids did a great job of staying disciplined on that play and Zach Cooper made a big-time play for us by taking on two lead blocks, shedding both, and making the stop."

The Bulldogs move to 4-1 on the season and the Lancers drop to 3-3.

Next up for the Bulldogs will be to travel to Kettle Falls for an away game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.