Published: August 29, 2008 10:16 pm      

Dilbeck shows speed against Tecumseh

It only took senior quarterback Dax Dilbeck a couple of plays to find the end zone, while the Antler defense didn’t give up any points to Tecumseh, in Deer Creeks final tune up before the regular season starts up next Friday night.

Rain delayed the start of the scrimmage, which was moved to Deer Creek, but it didn’t slow the Antlers. After holding Tecumseh to zero first downs on its first 20-plays, the Antlers finally got their chance on the offensive side.

And it only took three plays for the Antlers to find the end zone. Dilbeck scrambled to his right, with the entire Savage defense in pursuit, but with a quick change in direction, the speedster was gone. Dilbeck’s 60-yard touchdown run was the first of many highlights to come.

The Antlers followed that up with a touchdown pass from Dilbeck to Zach Trujillo in the back of the end zone, then Dilbeck broke free once again, this time from 70-yards out on the Antlers first play of the third series.

Sophomore sensation Colten Sander had a 55-yard jaunt, and Connor Patterson scored one-play later from 9-yards out.

Deer Creek’s defense was dominant on the night, as the Savages never posed a threat. Tecumseh never got past mid-field, and was limited to just one first down through its first three possessions. Senior linebacker Cade Draper was in on several defensive stops.

When Dilbeck wasn’t busy running the ball, the Oregon State commit looked good throwing it. He completed several passes on the night, with Trujillo on the receiving side of two passes.

It was a strong showing by head coach Grant Gower’s team, one that was needed before the Antlers head to rival Piedmont, in the first of two consecutive weeks on the road to open the 2008 season.