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Football family helps Dugan family after death of mother, wife

Dugans surrounded by community as they honor mother

Focus shifted from football to family in Week 7 of the Young America Football League season.

Teams honored the life of Kristen Dugan, mother of fourth-grade player Ryan and second-grader Tyler, and wife of coach Jeremy Dugan. Kristen lost her battle against cancer at the age of 45 on Sept. 14 and was remembered with a special balloon release and a moment of silence after the fourth-grade game Saturday at Miller Middle School.

“What you have here goes beyond football,” said coach Nate Baier. “This is family, and family will be here long after the game is gone.”

With heavy hearts and a “win for Kristen” attitude, the games went on.

The second-grade team earned a 25-0 win against Kirtland in yet another shutout for the defense. Bone-crushing blocks from Tyler Dugan helped pave the way for three rushing touchdowns, and he also had a few big runs. KJ Reynolds also had a strong offensive day.

Jared Lopez and Mason Miller led the defense from the middle linebacker spot, and Keenan Canterbury was a force at defensive end. Lopez also ran for a touchdown, and Grady Feeney rushed for two touchdowns. Feeney also hit Blaze Aguilar for a touchdown pass, as Aguilar made an incredible play to haul in the ball. The second-grade team will look to keep it going in the regular-season finale at 9 a.m. Saturday against the Farmington Saints at Miller Middle School.

The fourth-grade team also secured an emotional win against Bayfield, as Ryan Dugan had a great day on the field. With the support of his “football family,” Dugan helped lead the team to a 20-6 victory.

Ryan Dugan and Wyatt Bartel both had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Ryan Dugan also ran a kickoff back for a touchdown. Cole Pontine led the defense with 13 tackles, and Elijah McGrady and Cully Feeney also helped lead the defense.

Quarterback Linkin Griego passed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Pontine had 45 total yards and a receiving touchdown. JT Neubert added 50 receiving yards and a touchdown. The fourth-grade squad will look to go into the playoffs undefeated but have one more test first. It is a 1 p.m. Saturday game against Kirtland.

In a must-win game leading into the playoffs, Durango’s fifth-grade team beat the Farmington Force 20-7. Tanner Anderson led the defense with 11 tackles, and Jacob Neubert added seven. Zach Unruh led the offense with 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Harms also scored a rushing touchdown.

The Demons will face Cortez on the road at 9 a.m. Saturday looking to continue a winning streak and head into the playoffs on the right foot.

Durango’s sixth-graders lost to Aztec 22-12 despite leading 12-0 at halftime. Jeric Baruch and Ethan Lennox had Durango’s two touchdowns. Aztec made a few long runs to get even and eventually win.

Durango will wrap up the regular season at 3 p.m. Saturday at home against the Farmington Badcats.

The third-grade team played the closest game last week but came up short in the fourth quarter of a 15-6 loss. It was the first loss of the year for the group.

Cooper Mitchell led the offense with 53 yards and a touchdown. Brady Hoerl was a monster on defense with 10 tackles, and Max Schtakleff forced and recovered a fumble.

The Demons will look to regain some momentum before the postseason at 11 a.m. Saturday at home against Bloomfield.

jlivingston@durangoherald.com



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