It’s time to talk about Dove Creek.
The Bulldogs dropped their season opener to Norwood 12-41, but have since rattled off four consecutive wins.
First, they blanked Rangely, 40-0.
Next, they dropped a healthy 66 on Sangre de Cristo in a 66-20 thumping.
Then Sierra Grande got the business in a 56-8 Dove Creek win.
The Bulldogs seem to be humming right along, with a defense anchored by the Gatlin duo, brothers Spencer and Scott – as well as Case Baughman, Ricky Adams and Jordan Ernst – and an offense that averages over 400 yards and 40 points per game.
And the further removed they get from the loss to Norwood, the more it appears to be an anomaly.
Dove Creek had four turnovers in the game against the Mavericks, and by getting down early they were forced to go to the air.
The Bulldogs are averaging 43 rushing attempts and 258 rushing yards per game, but against Norwood they had only 26 carries for 77 yards.
Plus, the loss came in Week 1, and the Bulldogs have improved greatly since their season opener.
Still, even after winning four straight, they lacked a signature win to put Dove Creek on the map.
That was, until last week, when the Bulldogs knocked off the state’s No. 10 team, defeating Hoehne, 28-24.
This week, the Bulldogs vaulted to No. 8 in ColoradoPreps’ state rankings, and their next two games are against Del Norte and Sanford.
Knock on wood, but they are two games that Dove Creek should win, barring a catastrophe.
Then comes Dove Creek’s next big test, against Sargent, which is currently three spots ahead of the Bulldogs in the state rankings, nestled comfortably in the five spot.
The Bulldogs undoubtedly know that they’re good. But they can’t get big heads or take any matchup lightly if they’re hoping for a playoff run.
It will be up to head coach Shane Baughman and the team’s senior leaders to keep the team focused without looking too far ahead.
One step at a time.
Beginning with an away game against Del Norte on Saturday at 2 p.m.