Sports

Braves nearly upset Miners in Beulah

By Tyler Ohmann

10/02/2012

Despite a season-best rushing performance from senior Trevor Wettlaufer (23 carries, 266 yards, two touchdowns) the Bottineau Braves were unable to pull off the upset, falling to the second ranked team in the state, the Beulah Miners 21-18.

It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Braves, who opened the season with two consecutives wins, and now fall to 2-4 and 0-4 in West Region play.

“The guys really played with a lot of heart and effort and we were very proud of them,” stated Bottineau head coach Rob Bedlion. “We had too many penalties and made some mistakes that ended up being the difference in the game.”

The other scoring play for the Braves was on a hookup between quarterback Harrison Aide and receiver John Gohman. The pair connected twice in the game for 38 yards and the touchdown.

Bedlion was happy that the Braves running game was again successful (33 carries for 288 yards). However, he was a bit disappointed in the passing game (two interceptions), and especially, the pass defense.

“Our running game looked very good against a solid Beulah defense but our passing game again struggled and we allowed them to get some big plays on us with the their own passing game,” Bedlion said.

Seniors Wyatt Johnson (14), Jesse Klebe (12) and junior Cody Bedlion (11) led the Braves in tackles.

Also playing strong defensively were senior Dalton Sivertson (five tackles, one sack) and junior Cody Beaver (five tackles, one interception).

Although the game didn’t end in their favor, Bedlion believes that he can’t ask much more from the team based on the effort they gave.

“It was disappointing not to get the win but when the team plays with that kind of effort that’s really all I can ask for,” Bedlion stated. “We are going to keep battling and get ready for a good Carrington team coming up on Friday.”

Bottineau (2-4, 0-4) will host Carrington (3-2, 2-2) at 7 p.m. on Friday at Les Christian Field.