On this hot, humid night the Bulldogs hoped to get off to a quick start. They did, scoring on two of the first three drives.
Brandon Wensman scored on a punt return, and Brett Aageson came in with a touchdown run, giving the Bulldogs a 12-0 lead over the Knights
On both scores, the Bulldogs failed to convert the extra point, which proved to be costly later in the game. The Bulldogs scored once more before the first half ended, bringing the score to 18-0, as Paynesville once again missed the extra point.
After a half owned by the Bulldogs, STMA came out motivated. They dominated the scoring in the second half; the Bulldogs seemed wore out.
The Knights, in a span of six minutes and nine plays, scored 22 points, giving them a lead which they never gave up. Paynesville had two chances to score late in the game, but STMA stopped both attempts. The final score was 22-18.
"It was a disappointing loss and it will be important how the team approaches the next opponent, Long Prairie/Grey Eagle, who beat Staples 21-19 in overtime," head coach Virg Vagle said.
The Bulldogs' next game is Sept 6 at Long Prairie. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Paynesville 0 18 0 0– 18
St. Michael 0 0 7 15– 22