Sand Devils pummel Bulldogs, 44-18

Offense works all game

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The Sand Devils football team added another victory last week, easily defeating the Kingman Bulldogs 44-18. Their record now stands at 2-2 a month into the season.
The Sand Devils had great performances from their offense, defense and special teams despite a bad start from their offense. A rain-soaked field made for a slippery football, which slipped out of quarterback Jacob Doyle’s grasp on their first offensive play, and it was recovered by the Bulldogs. The Sand Devils committed six turnovers the week before, and Sand Devils fans feared they were in for more of the same.
But the Sand Devils offense redeemed itself on their next possession when running back Kele Meredith broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run. Doyle, on a quarterback keeper, added two more points on the PAT.
The Sand Devils offense would go on to score five more touchdowns spread out between Meredith, Doyle, Hayden Gracia and Makaio Warner.
The Bulldogs found the end zone three times on three long yardage plays, but other than those three yardage plays the Sand Devils defense allowed just five Bulldog first downs the entire game.

“We were able to run the ball efficiently,” said Coach Stephens. “I feel like all of our running backs ran extremely hard and the offensive line is improving every week.”
He was equally happy with the improvements he’s seeing in his defense.
“I was pleased with the defensive line play,” he said. “Our linebacking group was really effective in stopping the run.”
Coach Stephens approaches every down and every game with a team-first attitude, yet also feels several individuals had stand out performances last week.
“Kele Meredith rushed for 188 yards, Makaio Warner made a couple of great catches including a 63-yard TD,” said Coach Stephens. “Jacob McCale had six pancake blocks. Cheyenne Richardson was a dominating force on the D line. Jeremy Tallsalt led the defense from linebacker. Hayden Gracia played well at running back and defensive line.”
Doyle completed two out of six passing for 85 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also ran 11 times for 50 yards. Meredith was the leading rusher with 188 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Gracia had 46 yards on nine carries and one touchdown. Warner had one reception for 63 yards and one touchdown.
The Sand Devils remain on the road this week traveling to Ft. Defiance to take on the 0-3 Window Rock Fighting Scouts. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
Their next home game is Sept. 22.