Top 3 plays from Doniphan’s season opener

The 2023 season started for Doniphan Dons with a 35-6 road loss against the Kelly Hawks on Friday, August 25, in Benton, Missouri.

The game started rough for the Dons, who fumbled on the first offensive snap of the season. However, there were plenty of positives from all three phases of the game.

__Offense__

After struggling to move the ball throughout the first half, Doniphan quarterback Brody Wellington took matters into his own hands on 4th and 1 and ran the ball up the middle for 70 yards all the way to the end zone for the Dons’ first touchdown of the season.

The touchdown run followed a drive that resulted in a pick-six by Kelly senior captain Reese Eftink.

Wellington went the rest of the game running a Wildcat-style offense and moved the ball through the ground during the second half, although it didn't result in a score.

__Defense__

The Hawks had their way with the Dons' defense in the first half. Kelly quarterback Skylar Still threw two touchdown passes to Grant Burleson and one more to Ethan Graham, who was playing his first game since injuring his leg last season.

However, Cliff Hodo got his revenge on Still by intercepting a pass in the end zone, robbing the senior of another touchdown.

__Special teams__

Sometimes, the best offensive play is a punt.

The Doniphan offense was stuck in the mud throughout the first quarter. The Dons caught an unexpected break when a Kelly punt returner couldn’t catch the ball and it was recovered by Doniphan. The play moved the offense into Kelly territory, but the drive did not result in a score.