The Le Mars Community football team was able to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 24-21 win at home over Fort Dodge on Friday night.
Coming into the night with a record of 3-4 and an RPI standing of 20th, the Bulldogs had no margin for error. The Bulldogs knew that the final two weeks of the regular season would basically be playoff games for them. Head coach Ken Vigdal says he was happy to see his team play without any pressure in spite of all the circumstances.
Le Mars got behind the Dodgers early with Fort Dodge utilizing a potent passing attack throughout the night. Fort Dodge threw for 231 yards and did not turn the ball over through the air. Coach Vigdal knew the Dodgers would have success, but he was happy to see his guys mitigate that success.
Both teams traded scoring blows against one another throughout the remainder of the game until the fourth quarter when Fort Dodge took a 21-17 lead. Le Mars was able to respond with four minutes to go when Jordan Kopperud hit Colin Murphy for a touchdown of five yards. Coach Vigdal says the guys showed some toughness after trailing in the fourth quarter.
With the win, Le Mars is back in a spot to get into the playoffs sitting at 4-4 overall and 18th in the RPI standings. Some other things need to go right that are out of Le Mars’ control, and Coach Vigdal says his guys have to focus on what they can take care of to get in the playoffs.
Le Mars faces off with Storm Lake to conclude the regular season in Storm Lake. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on Friday night.
