There’s no better way to start off a new season with a WIN and the Dragon football team did just that as they defeated the Lyman Eagles in Wyoming on Friday, August 29.  While the opening game of the season is pitted with mistakes alongside accomplishments, the score at the final buzzer ultimately decides the best team of the night.

The Friday night game proved to be a showdown of defenses.  Kicking off to start the game, the Dragon defense held the field for the opening 10 minutes of the game.  The Eagle’s offense used a slow, strategic run game that wore down the clock to both give them ample time as well as limit the time Malad might have on offense.  

On their opening drive, the Dragons made little progress, working both the running and passing game.  But the defense came back out in a stronger fashion, holding the Eagles to only four downs before they were forced to punt again.  The MHS offense struggled to gain ground on their second attempt to move towards the goal.  The defense took the field to keep Lyman in the back field, disrupting long pass attempts and short runs alike.  

Regardless of the small progress they had made thus far in the game, the Dragon offense was ready to make something happen as the second quarter began to wind down.  Beginning their drive on the 45 yard line, quarterback Easton Green called for the ball.  Taking a few steps back and feigning the pass, Green pitched the ball to Tavin Barnes.  Barnes began running to the right, handing off to Chase Martin.  Martin beat the defense to the outside, giving him a clear path up the left sideline to run the ball in for a 55-yard touchdown.

The score was the only one of the game as both defenses continued to dominate the game, the Dragons winning 6-0.

Despite the exciting win, the MHS team suffered from a number of penalties and turnovers.  However, their determined spirit and grit wouldn’t give up even when it appeared that the Eagles were knocking on the goal line for a score of their own.

Late in the game, Lyman managed to have possession of the ball on the 25 yard line after a Malad fumble.  Reacting to the turnover, Green took down the Eagle ball carrier to keep him from an open field and game tying score.

 Instead of cracking under the pressure, the Dragons forced the Eagles to go four downs and out to keep them scoring in the final moments of the game.  Gaining possession of the ball for the remaining drive of the game, Malad took a knee to run out the clock and claim the victory. 

After breaking down and analyzing the game, Head Coach Brady Price commented on their play.  He said, “The defense really stepped up and won the game for us. Lyman wanted to run the ball and we held them to under 100 yards rushing for the game. Offensively we had more success than last year in the opening game. After watching film, we as a staff really think we are just a block away from bigger plays.

“The biggest take away is we were our own worst enemy in this game. Too many penalties and turnovers that can not happen. We have to clean those things up before this weekend.”

He continued, “In the end we are really happy with the determination from these kids. They stepped up, especially on the last stand against Lyman. We were very physical and it really showed on the defensive side of the ball.”

The Dragons will host the Ririe Bulldogs for their first home game of the season Friday, September 5.  Kickoff will promptly be at 7 pm.

Lyman

Rushing = 92 yards

Passing = 8 yards

Malad

Rushing = 181 - - 1 touchdown

Passing = 0

Leading Rusher Chase Martin 58 yards

Leading Tackler Holdan Tubbs 12 tackles