TULELAKE - The Dunsmuir Tigers football team moved to 2-0, winning 38-20 over the Butte Valley Bulldogs (0-2), on Thursday night.

The Tigers opened the game, played at the Tulelake Fairgrounds, by driving 71 yards for a TD and 2-point conversion. Butte Valley answered with a TD and conversion, to knot the score at 8-8. Dunsmuir added another TD, but were unable to convert the 2-point try, leaving them with a 14-8 lead at the end of one quarter.

The Tigers led 30-8 at the half, via a pair of TDs and 2-point conversions.

Butte Valley staged a comeback bid in the third quarter, scoring two TDs to cut the Tigers’ lead to 30-20. The Bulldogs didn’t convert either 2-point attempt.

Dunsmuir controlled the third quarter, and finished off the scoring with a TD and 2-point conversion in the last two minutes of play, making the final 38-20.

Coach Steve Van Ert was pleased with his team’s performance, and the support they received from the Dunsmuir fans.
“We had a good following of supporters and the team displayed awesome sportsmanship throughout the night. It was a tough battle. We only had 16 of our 24 athletes available for play,” said Van Ert. “Offensive Coach Jason Young called a brilliant game, showing his confidence in the team by taking calculated risks that paid off with huge, key plays.”

Tiger Cory Knowles rushed for 99 yards, and a TD. Knowles also had three catches for 28 yards. Erin Kirch rushed for 65 yards with two TDs, and had a TD reception of 36 yards. QB Nate Gonzales was 4/5 for 65 yards and a TD.

Kirch had 13 tackles, John Teran recorded 12, and Knowles and Matt Norton each had 11. Justin Shuler had three sacks, and Kirch had two. Lt Hisley had a pick, and Jamison McIntyre and Joey Rhyno each recovered a fumble for the Tigers.

Dunsmuir hosts Herlong (0-2) on Saturday, September 13, at 5:00 pm.