Potter-Dix struggles in Garden County encounter

The Coyotes could not stop, could not contain Garden County running back Tristen Jackson Friday night.

He carried for 203 yards and two touchdowns, leading a backfield that rushed for more than 300 yards against the usually stingy Potter-Dix defense.

"We didn't play to our potential," said Bryant Knigge. "We got crushed."

The Eagles jumped out to a 28-0 first quarter lead, eventually claiming a 58-12 victory in Oshkosh.

In the wake of Friday night's loss, Potter-Dix coaches and players spoke of mental breakdowns and unforced errors. Turnovers and penalties tipped the balance in favor of Garden County. But all pointed to the Eagles' relentless rushing attack, which averaged 7.02 yards per carry on the night.

"Our defense couldn't shut them down," Tyler Magninie pointed out. "We got out-muscled."

By halftime, the hosts had rolled to a 48-12 advantage.

"We didn't play well," agreed Coyotes' head coach Dale Frerichs. "But give Garden County credit--they're a good team."

Potter-Dix's scoring came during an impressive second quarter spree. Magninie took advantage of Knigge's sure hands, hitting the veteran receiver in stride for a touchdown.

"He ran a good go route and beat his guy," the Coyotes' quarterback observed. "That's how it's supposed to work."

Moments later, Magninie took it in himself, keeping the ball on a zone read.

"The end crashed, so I pulled the ball away," he said, referring to the dive option part of the play. Of course, he also had to deal with a blitzing linebacker.

"I gave him a juke and managed to get into the end zone," Magninie said.

The Coyotes have always been a resilient squad. Frerichs said the team will work on improvements during practice this week as they prepare for next Friday's encounter.

"We're not where we want to be," Knigge pointed out. "But we just have to forget about the loss and play Caliche."