Facing the opposite sideline from the winningest coach in Colorado high school history, Dove Creek head coach Shane Baughman knew that his team would face a well-prepared Mustangs squad in the eight-man postseason opener.
West Grand, coached by preps coach legend Chris Brown, couldn’t prepare for the team speed of the Bulldogs.
The ’Dogs jumped on the Mustangs from the opening kickoff and never let up, picking up their 10th win of the season in a 52-18 opening-round victory.
Junior running back Gage Buffington scored three touchdowns, including two short scores in the opening quarter, to help the Bulldogs (10-0) jump out in front 18-0 after 12 minutes.
From there, the Bulldogs defense turned up the noise, scoring twice with safeties in the first half, as Creek took to the locker room up 28-6.
Seniors Kendall Gardner, Kade Hankins and Taber Dejane all found the end zone in the second half, headlined by Dejane's kick return for a score, meaning the Bulldogs scored in all three phases of the game.
The No. 15 Mustangs (7-3) countered with a couple of late scores, but Dove Creek had already punched their ticket to a quarterfinal date with No. 10 Merino, which knocked out No. 7 Crowley County in the opening round.
The Bulldogs and Rams will meet with a spot in the semifinals on the line next week.
