By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The Dowagiac varsity football team ground up its competition during the 2008 regular season.
The Chieftains finished with 2,356 yards on the ground and another 525 through the air for a total of 2,881 yards of total offense.
Opponents finished with 1,075 yards on the ground, 856 through the air for a total of 1,931 yards.
Senior Greg Nelson led the team in rushing with 950 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, while junior Brandon Douglas was a double threat – finishing second in rushing with 663 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground and 236 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.
Sophomore quarterback Austin Adams was 30-of-64 for 484 yards and four touchdowns with just two interceptions.
Defensively for the Chieftains, Nelson led the team in tackles with 86, fumble recoveries with three and was second in interceptions with two.
Nelson returned an interception and a fumble for a touchdown.
David Stark finished second in tackles with 74, Aaron Caldwell third with 53 and Andrew Hurrle fourth with 45 stops.
Dowagiac had 11 interceptions on the season, led by Shaun Bruens with three.
The Chieftains blocked five extra point kicks during the regular season.
On special teams, Michael Filley was 31-of-39 in extra points, had one field goal and averaged 37.5 yards per punt.