Sports
Braves shut down by Panthers
Tyler Ohmann
09/18/2012
Brad Heidelbaugh and the Rugby Panthers handed the Bottineau Braves their second consecutive loss in a 34-6 bashing in Rugby last Friday night.
The Panthers came to play jumping out to a 14-0 lead early in the first half. Heidelbaugh connected with Zach Miller for the first score. The second touchdown came on an eight-yard scamper from running back Kyle Lovcik.
The Braves answered back as Harrison Aide made a strong run with multiple cuts and a big stiff arm for a 14-yard touchdown.
However, Heidlebaugh wasn’t done in the half. He connected with Josh Michels for a 25-yard touchdown for a 21-6 halftime lead.
Heidlebaugh and the Panthers would continue to roll in the second half. Heidlebaugh found Chris Hamilton for a 23-yard touchdown. Heidlebaugh finished the scoring with a one-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Heidlebaugh finished 12-for-21 passing for 217 yards and four touchdowns (one rushing). To top things off Heidlebaugh also was 4-for-5 on extra points as well.
Senior tailback Trevor Wettlaufer led the Bottineau offense with 19 carries for 96 yards.
“It was a very tough game for us. We all felt like we didn’t play or coach well and didn’t give our best effort,” said coach Rob Bedlion. “We had a difficult time sustaining anything on the offensive side of the ball and we got a little frustrated.”
The loss was the second straight for Bottineau who began the season 2-0, but then lost in dramatic fashion to Bismarck-St. Mary’s last Friday at Bottineau’s homecoming.
The 2-2 Braves will travel and play the 3-1 Bishop Ryan Lions at 7 p.m. next Friday. The Lions are coming off a 50-13 trouncing of Dickinson Trinity in Dickinson.
Bedlion wished to express an apology after an incident at the game: “Lastly, I need to apologize for having a confrontation with a fan at the game Friday. I lost my temper and was inexcusable with my language, that is something that won’t happen again. I apologize to our fans, the school and most of all to the team,” Bedlion stated.