HS FOOTBALL: Title on line – Dawgs drub Rittman 55-14, setting up WCAL title showdown

PHOTO BY LISA McGINTY | LMc Photography
Dalton’s Sammy Tomlinson, shown outrunning the Northwestern defense in a game Sept. 30, scored four touchdowns this week against Rittman.

By ZACH McFARREN
DGKN sports writer

Every team has the potential to be the best team you will ever play.

Regardless of the records or the history or the talent, every team is dangerous.

Friday night in Rittman, Dalton made sure that they didn’t overlook the Indians as they drubbed Rittman 55-14, setting up a WCAL showdown between Dalton and Norwayne next week with a county championship on the line.

A slow first quarter that saw Rittman threaten three times with no damage done gave way to a hurricane of Dalton offense in the second frame.

A 7-0 lead thanks to Sammy Tomlinson’s 16 yard touchdown jaunt, turned into a 35-0 halftime lead.

Cade Mullet had his hand in much of the Dalton onslaught.

The junior receiver/defensive back/kick returner had an impressive stat line in the second quarter as he wreaked havoc in all three phases of the game. Defensively, Mullet intercepted two passes, the first in the end zone to thwart an Indian scoring drive. His second pick of the evening set the Dawgs up at the 33 of Rittman and led to a Dalton score.

In between his interceptions, Mullet returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 28-0.

Tomlinson had himself a night as well. Of Sammy’s eight touches, four of them went for scores as he outran the Rittman defense to the tune of touchdowns of 16, 18, 15, and 59 yards. In addition to his 145 yards on the ground, he also recovered a Dalton kickoff leading to yet another Dalton touchdown.

Ethan Siders and Greyson Siders added scores during the second quarter storm. Siders would muscle his way in from 8 yards while Stutz pushed in from two yards out. Both scores were due in part to sophomore receiver Brady Hignight who put his own stamp on this contest. Hignight made sure both of his catches hurt as he went for 76 yards and put the Bulldogs into a position to widen their lead.

The 28 point second quarter ensured a running clock in the second half. Rittman’s Artie Senago had a productive half scoring on runs of two and 65 yards. However, with Tomlinson pushing the score to 55-14 with his 59 yard score, Dalton left Rittman with a win, with a healthy team, and with a chance to repeat as WCAL champions.

Despite the lopsided score, Rittman showed some fight throughout the contest. Dalton responded, took care of business, and now are primed to defend their league title when Norwayne comes to town this Friday. The Bobcats are a different kind of dangerous. With the way the Dawgs are playing, this is about to get fun. Stay tuned.