Week 8 at Independence

It was put up or shut up time for the Bobcats!  With the last play-off spot on the line, we rolled in to Independence on Friday night with the understanding that this is what the season comes down to: one game.  We win and we are a four seed in the play-offs, we lose and we are out.  The cool twist to this night was that Independence was in the same boat.  If they win, they would be in the post season for the first time since 1986.  It had been a long drought for the Mustangs.  Their home fans showed up in droves and came with plenty of energy to support their boys.  But the WD stands were not empty by any means.  Knowing what was on the line, the Bobcat Nation traveled well and helped us bring home a victory.

As the pre-game anxiety set in, the Mustangs had parents night, extending the wait and building the pre-game tension to new levels.  But once the kick was off, we went straight to work.  We scored on our first drive with a Dylan Gansen run around the left side.  Dylan finished with 120 yards on the night and one TD.  With a 7-0 lead, the defense took over holding the Mustangs to a meager 130 total yards and 7 points.  With defense like that, it is tough to lose.  Right before the half, Nolan Baumhover connected with Austin Hosch on a fade to the end zone and a 14-0 halftime lead. 

A third quarter turn over led to a short field score for Independence, but we didn't bat an eye at it.  Our offense took us the length of the field again and scored a 3yard QB sneak on 4th down, to go ahead 20-7.  With an onside kick recovery after that, and a great defensive effort, we finished the game on the 2 yard line with two consecutive kneel downs to eat the clock and preserve the win with respect for a good opponent. 

We are excited to say that the Western Dubuque Bobcats are going back to the play-offs for the 3rd straight year.  As I told the team, the difference between the 1st seed and the 4th seed in the play-offs is the 1st round opponent.  After that, the competition is the same anyways.  You have to win to move on, but you have to get there first.  I am very proud of the way our team is competing and improving week by week.  With one more district game to play, we have the chance to sharpen our skills against a perennial powerhouse.  The Decorah Vikings are heading our direction next Friday.  They will step on to "The Buc" with a 21 game winning streak and the title of defending state champions.  There is no greater way to make a memory of a life time than by beating Decorah on our home field.  Friday night will be a great opportunity for us!  Go Bobcats!