By Allen Wright
Slideshow by Burrill Strong
The Chelsea Bulldogs varsity football team bounced back in style from a tough loss last week as they blanked the Tecumseh Indians 24-0 on a very warm night. The Bulldogs seemed to be clicking on all cylinders as the offense came alive and a defense that gave up 19 points the previous game, gave up no points and forced six turnovers.
After going 3 and out on their first drive, the Bulldogs were able to get the ball back after senior middle linebacker Owen Nikischer made an interception. Five plays and a minute later, it was Bulldog quarterback Thomas Steele busting into the end zone for the score. Both teams battled back and forth with their tough defenses but the Bulldogs were able to put together a 10-play drive midway through the second quarter. Steele again burst into the end zone from 6 yards out to put the Bulldogs up 14-0.
With the Indians driving near the end of the second quarter, it was Nikischer getting his second pick of the night and stalling the Indian’s drive, sending the Bulldogs into the half up 14-0.
After the half, the Indians received the kick but at the 10-minute mark of their first post half drive, it was Nikischer again getting his third pick of the night to give Chelsea great field position, which led to another score – a 25-yard pass from Steele to Aaron McDaniels.
“Getting those interceptions, that just felt amazing,” Nikischer said. “It’s something the defense has been struggling with, getting turnovers and being able to get those three really changed our intensity.”
The Bulldogs were able to hold on and keep the Indians off the board and get their third victory of the season, and their second on the road.
The Bulldogs were led by Thomas Steele with 56 yards rushing while Jack Smith got 48 for the Bulldogs on only 6 carries. Aaron McDaniels had 47 yards on 12 carries.
The Bulldogs stingy defense, which held the Indians to just only 192 yards total offense, was led by Blake Engler with 11 total tackles and Andy Xiao with 7. The defense also forced 3 fumbles.
“I’m so happy we were able to come back after last week’s loss and get the win,” said Nikischer. “We were able to come back and answer.”
Chelsea will head home next Friday, Sept. 22 to host the Adrian Maples. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
