Virgin Valley snaps 9-game losing streak to Cheyenne

By Paul Delos Santos

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 | 11:47 p.m.

The Virgin Valley Bulldogs haven't had the greatest track record when playing the Cheyenne Desert Shields.

Virgin Valley head coach Chris Sawyers brought up the losing streak during his pre-game talk with his players, hoping to motivate them.

“I brought that stat up, and told them, ‘It’s going to be a season where we stop a lot of negative streaks,’” he said.

The Bulldogs (2-0) responded with a 33-18 victory, snapping a nine-game losing skid to the Desert Shields (0-2).

Virgin Valley racked up 450 yards of total offense, and quarterback Garrett Leavitt was in top form. Leavitt completed 13-of-18 passes for 222 yards and threw three touchdowns.

“He settled in mentally,” Sawyers said. “He’s talented. … He was using his brain. It’s a big deal for us to play with head on his shoulders. He’s a talented kid with a lot of weapons.”

Dillon Graves was Leavitt’s favorite target, hauling in five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bulldogs were also efficient in their rushing attack, running for 228 yards on 28 carries.

Dee Bowler led the way with nine carries for 101 yards with two touchdowns.

With one losing streak out of the way, Sawyers said the Bulldogs are well on their way to doing big things in 2013.

“We have a lot of positive vibes running around our program,” he said.

Paul Delos Santos can be reached at 990-2416 or mail to [email protected]. Follow Paul on Twitter at twitter.com/pauliedelos.