Bulldogs Finish Season

The Golden Plains High School Football team played their final game of the season when they hosted Bucklin for the Cross-Bracket game in Rexford on October 29. The Bulldogs lost to the Red Aces 12-53 to end their season.

The Bulldogs won the toss electing to receive. They made a first down, but incomplete passes forced them to punt back to the Aces. The Dogs defense held the Aces with tough defense from Ruxin Arnberger, Adam Ritter, and Kelby Buehler allowing the Dogs to take over on their own 3-yard line. The Dogs moved the ball with carries by Conner Kier, Parker Vahling, Arnberger, and Ritter. With both teams playing defense, neither team scored to end the first quarter 0-0.

Bucklin opened the second with their offense scoring the first touchdown of the game. Kelby Buehler stopped the PAT to put the Aces up 6-0. Arnberger connected with Cristian Garcia for a first down, but penalties started to pile up for both teams and the Dogs turned the ball back over. The Red Aces added another touchdown midway through the second, this time passing in the PAT for a 13-0 lead.

With just over 2 minutes until the half, the Red Aces added another score. The Dogs finally got on the boards with less than 30 seconds until the half with a pass from Arnberger to Ritter. As the clock ticked down, the Aces added another touchdown to lead 26-6 at the half.

Jose Rios kicked to Bucklin to start the second half. Garcia and Ritter made several stops before the Red Aces added another score. Back on offense, Kelby Buehler recovered the kick. Adam Ritter ran the ball to the 6-yard line. Arnberger’s pass to the end zone was intercepted by Bucklin putting the Dogs back on defense.

The Red Aces made a first down, then passed in a touchdown. With a 38-6 lead, the Dogs dug deep to move the ball with carries and receptions by Kier, Ritter, and Vahling but were unable to finish the drive before the quarter ended.

Bucklin opened the fourth with another touchdown and PAT extending their lead to 46-6. The Dogs moved the ball making repeated first downs to add a second touchdown, this time by Arnberger, midway through the fourth. Bucklin added one more touchdown and PAT pass for their final score to win the game 53-12.

“We started out good and tried our best,” said Adam Ritter. “Bucklin was a tough team we had never played before. We need to work on the mentality of the game—knowing what we’re supposed to do. We need to tackle stronger and remember that every rep counts in the weight room—that’s where it starts.” “Our goal for next season is to compete every game,” added Ruxin Arnberger. “We need to work hard in the weight room over the summer and commit to the team.”

The Bulldogs finished their season with a 5-4 record. They will be graduating four seniors from this year’s team. “The season didn’t go how I expected,” said Javier Romero who played both his junior and senior season. “I’m glad we finished with a winning record.” “This was my first year of American football,” added Jesus Dominguez. “I enjoyed being part of the team and being around the other guys.”

“I felt the season went pretty well, but we kinda fell apart in the tougher games,” continued Kier. “Football helped me develop leadership and how to work with others to make them better. I hope next year’s team plays together and has a good season.” “I’ve spent four years as a Bulldog,” added senior Jose Rios. “I’m sad it’s over. Football has taught us a lot. I enjoyed it while it lasted. We gave it our all.”