Football: Bulldogs win second straight

DEER LODGE - They say winning is contagious. If so, don't give

the Mission Bulldogs the cure. The Bulldogs rebounded from a rough

stretch of their schedule by winning their second-consecutive game,

getting four touchdown carries from Dakota Gunhammer in a 28-12

victory over Deer Lodge.

DEER LODGE - They say winning is contagious. If so, don't give the Mission Bulldogs the cure. The Bulldogs rebounded from a rough stretch of their schedule by winning their second-consecutive game, getting four touchdown carries from Dakota Gunhammer in a 28-12 victory over Deer Lodge.

Mission has scored seven touchdowns over their past two games, with all seven coming on the ground. Head coach Rich Ferris has noticed an improvement in the play of his offensive line.

"Our blocking has been consistent," Ferris said. "Up front has been the difference."

Gunhammer opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 43-yard dash to put the Bulldogs up 6-0. Deer Lodge responded with an 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game before halftime. From there, the defense would rise to the occasion.

Gunhammer came out in the third quarter, scoring from 17 yards out to spot Mission a 14-6 edge heading to the final quarter.

The fourth was more of the same for Mission, as Gunhammer found paydirt on 4- and 6-yard TD runs, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 28-6 lead. Deer Lodge added a late touchdown, but the game was well in hand by that point.

For two straight weeks, Mission has yielded just 12 points to their opponents.

"We simplified things for ourselves, which has helped the kids out," Ferris said. "We're talking about just one or two things on defense."

Another key to the victory over Deer Lodge was the confidence gained by the Bulldogs thanks to their win last week.

"It gave us a lot of confidence, being able to beat Troy," Ferris said. "We've got a lot more pep in our step."

Mission will have to keep that momentum going when they're tested this week against Ronan. The Chiefs are one of Class B's top teams and will be a formidable opponent for the Bulldogs.

"They've got a lot of things going for them," Ferris said. "We've just got to stay in front of them as much as we can."

Kickoff in Mission is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21.

MISSION 28, DEER LODGE 12

Mission - 0 - 6 - 8 - 14 - 28

Deer Lodge - 0 - 6 - 0 - 6 - 12

SCORING SUMMARY

Mission - Dakota Gunhammer 43-yard run (kick failed)

Deer Lodge - Brett Witt 18-yard pass from Ethan Johnston (kick failed)

Mission - Gunhammer 17-yard run (Gunhammer run)

Mission - Gunhammer 4-yard run (Gunhammer run)

Mission - Gunhammer 6-yard run (run failed)

Deer Lodge - Reno Ward 4-yard run (run failed)