It was a win the Dos Palos Broncos desperately needed.
With an 0-4 record lowlighted by some last-minute defeats, the Broncos finally got a complete game on both sides of the ball as they defeated the Chowchilla Tribe, 42-7.
The victory will give Dos Palos some much needed momentum as they enter West Sierra League play when they travel to Avenal to take on the resurgent Buccaneers.
On a night at Frankian Field where the school’s teachers were honored, the Broncos put on a show for their educators, racing out to a 28-0 halftime lead.
After holding Chowchilla on downs early in the first quarter, Dos Palos went on an 80-yard drive, mixing passing with the runs of tailback Drake Hennagan. The Broncos marched down the field with Hennagan scoring on a three-yard run for a quick 7-0 lead.
The Broncos again held Chowchilla on downs and took over in their own territory. Bronco quarterback Peyton Van Worth kept the drive going with a clutch scramble for a 10-yard gain and a first down.
After the Tribe held the Broncos to a fourth and long from the Dos Palos 38-yard line, Van Worth went back to punt but instead tossed an excellent pass down the middle to Hennagan for a 62-yard touchdown.
The Bronco defense, which turned in their best performance of the season, then held Chowchilla, and when the Tribe went back to punt, it was blocked, and the Broncos were set up deep in Tribe territory. Hennagan again scored, this time from five yards out.
The Broncos kept the pressure on, recovering a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Running back Sixto Ibarra ended the first half scoring with a 15-yard run.
Hennagan scored two more times in the second half to close out the scoring.
Running the read-option with timely scrambles, Van Worth rushed for 88 yards and also passed for 156 yards.
Hennagan finished with 77 yards rushing. He was also a stalwart on defense, finishing with six tackles. The Broncos held Chowchilla to 132 yards in total offense.
As for the West Sierra League, the Broncos will go in as the favorite. They will see some competition this Friday at Avenal, who will take to the field with a solid squad.
