The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - Dayton's Ben Kleck scored two long touchdowns and the Bulldog defense came out strong early, but it wasn't enough to stop a dominant Pomeroy Pirate team. The Pirates rolled to a 58-12 win here Friday night.

"We probably played our best first half of football so far this year," said Dayton Coach Jerry Dedloff. "We're improving in some aspects of the game and struggling in others."

Ben Kleck scored both Bulldog touchdowns, including a 70-yard pass reception in the second quarter. For the game, Kleck had 12 receptions for 227 yards.

In the third quarter, Kleck ran back a kickoff 84 yards for the second 'Dog score.

Below right: Despite Dayton's tough start to its season, Bulldog fans still cheer the team on enthusiastically.

After a scoreless first quarter, Pomeroy scored three quick touchdowns in the second, before Kleck's long reception. The Pirates scored three TDs each in the third and fourth quarters as well.

For the game, Dayton quarterback Cal martin attempted 43 passes, completing 17, including the touchdown. He also threw one interception. Tanner Bren threw 11 times for 62 yards. Receiver Tabin McHaffie had four catches for 25 yards.

Dayton senior Andrew Mendoza missed Friday's game because of injury. "We were forced to move people around to try and fill his shoes," Dedloff said.

Despite a winless start on the season, Dedloff said he is pleased with the progress the team has made.

"I hope our kids can get some satisfaction out of the fact that we are improving each week even though we haven't got a win yet," he said. "I think if we keep working hard and staying focused the wins will come. I'm proud of our team and how are they have come this season."