After knocking off Three Rivers 21-7 to square its record at 1-1, the Dowagiac football team is now focused on Allegan and a chance to get above .500 for the first time in 2017.

The Chieftains will host the Tigers (0-2) at Chris Taylor Alumni Field at 7 p.m. Friday night.

The Tigers lost to Edwardsburg 62-8 in the season opener and then to Vicksburg 42-8 last Thursday night.

Dowagiac showed marked improvement against the Wildcats, especially on the defensive side of the football.

The Chieftains allowed 38 points in its season-opening loss to Vicksburg, including 21 in the fourth quarter.

Dowagiac led 21-0 before giving up a late touchdown to Three Rivers when the game was already decided.

“Our defense was a standout tonight,” Dowagiac coach Mike Stanger said following the win over the Wildcats. “Our corners played well and we rotated our defensive ends throughout the game.”

That defense was led by Caleb Murphy, Donovan Sullivan, Dylan Hill and JJ Smith, all of whom recovered fumbles.

Cody Dorman, Hill and Smith also put plenty of pressure on the Three Rivers quarterback, sacking him and forcing early throws.

On the other side of the football, Dowagiac also showed improvement as quarterback Brenden Dudley was 10 of 20 for 130 yards.

Shiquan White led the team in rushing with 76 yards on eight carries.