Dowagiac Football squad looks to tip 1-1 record heading into Week 3 matchup

DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- This Friday marks another week of high school football in Michiana.

This week, ABC57 viewers chose Benton Harbor vs. Dowagiac for the Game of the Week.

"We're excited to get back to work after last week," says Dowagiac's Head Coach Duane Davis.

The Chieftains are heading into Week 3 working on their mental game after getting handed their first loss of the season against Three Rivers last Friday.

"The kids during films, they were itching at the bit to get back on the practice field after a tough loss, so I know they're excited to be back out here for another week," says Davis.

Davis says their abilities were proven in the second half after making it click and briefing outscoring their opponent, but keeping up the momentum and shaking off mistakes is what they're working on.

"Everybody saw it in the fourth quarter, what we really can do if we really put our minds to it, I think it was just mental mistakes," Davis explains.

In his fifth season now leading the squad as head coach and 15th on the sidelines at his alma mater, Coach Davis says he's got a big roster of players he's been able to train up for years, especially hammering home the physical aspect.

"They've been with me since they were eighth graders in the weight room, so I've gotten to know them personally," explains Davis.

He's working with a strong Wing-T offense packed with several returners that contributed to last year's offensive juggernaut that outscored opponents 289-172.

"Quentin Hill has been really good for us this year, he had to make a move, so he moved from tight end to wing for us this year. Masterman at fullback, he's done a really good job at linebacker and fullback for us. Devin Rock, another wing, Cooper Szymczak at middle linebacker has been amazing, and Khalif Reyna, our sophomore D-tackle has been outstanding this season so far for two games," Davis says.

With a schedule change this season, the team will face some new, bigger Division 4 teams in hopes of a longer run in the playoffs.