Missed chances sends RLO to its first loss

The Random Lake/Ozaukee and Oostburg high schools’ football teams had their chances last Friday.

The Flying Dutchmen just made more out of their opportunities in a 26-6 win in Random Lake.

Trailing 18-0 in the third quarter, the Bison got on the board on a 15-yard run by quarterback Jeffrey Stefanich. The junior broke multiple tackles in running outside left.

On the ensuing possession, defensive end Murphy Brown put his arms up and deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage, then came down with the interception before being smothered.

But three plays later, Devon Wilterdink made a diving interception to give the ball back to Oostburg.

“That was a moment that we really needed to capitalize on, then we turn around and make a mistake and give them the ball right back. We can’t do that in a game like this,” RLO coach Cole Large said. “18-13 and it’s a total different fourth quarter.”

The Flying Dutchmen’s scores came on big plays and one clutch one. Landon Fisher ran for a 51-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and quarterback Kale Brill threw for a 16-yard score to Wilterdink on fourth and goal with 27 seconds left in the half. In the fourth quarter, Jakari DeBlaey ran right and cut back left for a 58-yard touchdown.

“We didn’t play good enough to win. That’s what it came down to,” Large said. “Some big plays and just not playing up to our level. Lots of momentum swings, a hard-fought game up and down. We’ve just got to be on the right side of those swings.”

For Brown, the highlight-reel interception has been something he has been working on.

“I’ve been looking for one of those opportunities for years. I’m glad I finally got one. I’ve been working in practice, getting one every once in a while when I can. I’m glad I could make a contribution to the team,” he said.

When the ball came down into his hands, “I was so happy. I was hoping it was clear and I’d be able to go run for it. Still, I got the catch, that was the main goal.”

Late in the game, running back Colton Dybul had a 44-yard run and plowed over a Flying Dutchman on the way.

“Everyone’s like, the game’s over, but there’s still five minutes, there’s still time,” Dybul said. “We might not come back and win but still show them what we are.”

Dybul ran 11 times for 79 yards. Stefanich had 20 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. He went 9-for-18 passing for 80 yards with an interception. Jack Upson had eight carries for 29 yards. Jaxon Crawford caught four passes for 33 yards.

Dybul had 11 tackles, Stefanich had 10, Jake Delleree had eight and Tegan Hall had seven.

“It’s a learning lesson, a bump in the road,” Stefanich said of the loss. “In the second half, it feels like everyone picked up what they needed to do. We started driving the ball, just didn’t capitalize on certain situations.”

Large praised Dybul, Stefanich and Murphy for their performances, and he hopes his team responds differently next time.

“Overall, I think it’s a growth opportunity for our team. We need to use this as fuel going forward to get better so when we have a winnable game like that, we win the game and we get the result we want and play the way we want to,” he said.

RLO and Oostburg went to 2-1. RLO hosts 1-2 Reedsville on Friday, Sept. 11.