Round 1 | Dakota vs Stockton
Stockton -
The first round of the 2018 IHSA playoffs saw a revival of old time rivals when the #10 seeded Dakota Indians paid a visit to the #7 seeded Stockton Blackhawks. The Blackhawks entered the game with the NUIC leading rusher in Colin Dvorak, while the Indians offense being multi-dimensional.
The Blackhawks received the ball to start the game and didn’t take long to get Dvorak incorporated into their game plan. After just 4 carries Dvorak racked up 57 yards and had Stockton knocking on the door. However, it was the Indians defense that would come up big on fourth and goal from the 1 yard line, shutting the door.
After taking over on their own 1 yard line, Trey Engelbrecht carried the ball consecutive times giving the Indians a little breathing room before Aiden Cassidy broke free. Cassidy streaked down the field 64 yards setting up the Indians for a first and goal. The drive was capped off with a 3 yard touchdown by Evan Riggle, giving Dakota a 6-0 lead.
After what seemed like a promising start for the Blackhawks on their first drive, quickly ended their second drive with a punt. The tone was quickly set for the day as the Blackhawks had no answer for the Indians. Dakota would add two more touchdowns, one on the ground and the other on a 13 yard reception by Carter Drake to give the Indians a 20-0 lead at halftime.
The Indians had all the momentum going into halftime, just like two weeks ago against EPC where they led 10-0. This time, the Indians wouldn’t relinquish the lead.
In the second half the Indians would put up 28 more points while cruising to a 48-8 victory. Stockton’s lone score came on a 66 yard touchdown pass midway through the 3rd quarter, as Garrett Buske connected with Chase Rowe.
The Indians were led on the ground by Trey Engelbrecht, with 148 yards on 19 carries. Stockton was led by Dvorak with 96 yards on 24 carries.
The victory sets up the Indians at home again the undefeated Marquette Crusaders. Game time is set for 2 pm with gates opening at 1 pm