Dayton turnovers costly in loss to Nederland
Dayton's James Harris closes in as Trace Owens attempts to strip the Nederland ballcarrier. (The Vindicator | Amanda Jordan)
The Broncos Daveon Washington attempts to find a lane in the Bulldogs defense. (The Vindicator | Amanda Jordan)
CJ Hubert has a big take down for the Broncos. (The Vindicator | Amanda Jordan)
Donovan Orebo makes a big grab against Nederland. (The Vindicator | Amanda Jordan)
Turnovers are perhaps the most important statistical factor in winning a football game. On Friday night at Houston Methodist Field at Bronco Stadium, the Dayton Broncos committed five turnovers that turned into 28 Nederland points. The Bulldogs broke open a close game in the second half by taking a 41-14 win in District 12-5A play. On their first offensive play of the night, Dayton was intercepted by Nederland's Nolan White, who returned it to the Broncos 17-yard line. Kyndon Fuselier scored on a 2-yard run five plays later, and the Bulldogs led 7-0. In the opening quarter, Nederland added to their lead with 5:40 left with a Carter Piletere 34-yard field goal to make it 10-0. Dayton (2-5, 1-3) would then get on the scoreboard on the first play of the second quarter as Camron Cooper capped off a 43-yard five-play drive with a 7-yard run Broncos were within 10-7. The Bulldogs then added to their advantage with another Piletere 34-yard field goal to lead 13-7 at the break. Dayton then got a break to start the second half with Jonah Hearne recovering a fumble by Nederland on the kickoff to set the Broncos up at the Bulldogs 35-yard line. But it was Nash Leonard stepping in front of a Dayton pass and returning it to the 35-yard line. Seven plays later, quarterback Luke Broussard went in from 2-yards out to make it a 20-7 score with 6:00 minutes left in the third quarter. After a quick three-and-out, the Bulldogs were at it again, with Mason Beresford crossing the goal line from 3-yards out to run the lead to 27-7.
The Broncos would get a little closer by marching 68-yards on nine plays, with Blayne Denton finding Ashton Garner for a 12-yard score, and Dayton was within 27-14 with 11:06 left in the contest. After a Bronco fumble, Nederland took over at the Dayton 13-yard line. Six plays later, it was Broussard sneaking in from the 1-yard line to make it 34-14 with 6:58 remaining. Ethan Fobbs then scored 29-yards out for the Bulldogs on the final score of the night. Daveon Washington led the Broncos with 151-yards rushing on 27 carries while Denton passed for 152-yards. Donavan Orebo caught five passes for 60-yards while Garner had 3 for 53-yards. Dayton will travel to Texas City on Friday night.