From Deseret News archives:
High school football: Tigers' Dotson does it on both sides
He's been known as an offensive standout the last two seasons, as his name has consistently been among the state's rushing leaders. He entered Hurricane's 26-9 win over Morgan in the 3A semifinals on Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium with 1,659 yards on 229 carries this season.
His biggest play, however, in the Tigers' win over the Trojans came on the defensive side of the ball. Late in the first quarter, he ended a long and promising Morgan drive when he intercepted a pass by Trojans quarterback Matt Largent. He caught it at his own 15, then returned it 41 yards.
Hurricane quickly capitalized, as Joran Langston threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Pugh to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.
Dotson, who played sparingly at outside linebacker for Hurricane, mostly as a red-zone defender prior to Thursday's semifinal game, said he wanted to stay on the field as much as possible to help get his team to the 3A championship game next week.
"I don't usually start, but I worked a lot (at outside linebacker) this week in practice and the week before," Dotson said. "I did a lot of sprints in practice so that I could go both ways."
"Anyone who scores the first time has momentum swinging their way," Dotson said.
Dotson's early defensive play gave the Tigers a spark. But he stood out in the second half for what he's known for: tough running that usually wears opponents down.
Dotson rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. He gained 93 of his yards in the second half, and he capped Hurricane's opening drive in the third quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run. The extra sprints during the week paid off, as Dotson was able to gain some hard yards against a tough defense.
"He's a stud," said Tigers coach Chris Homer. "He's a hard-running kid. He definitely was playing tired and playing with a lot of heart there in the fourth quarter."
E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com
Recent comments
The game between Hurricane and Logan in 2005 was a semi-final game...
To Hurricane Fan | Nov. 15, 2008 at 7:46 p.m.
You are wrong they played in the 1989 2a state championship and lost...
RE: History | Nov. 14, 2008 at 7:26 p.m.
Are you kidding me, JD? You are asking who Hurricane has played?...
Who did who play? | Nov. 14, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.
- Volunteers are needed 6:50 p.m.
- News seeks entries for contest 6:49 p.m.
- Fans greet 'New Moon' stars 6:37 p.m.
- Eisenhower home oozes charm 5:54 p.m.
- New designation for Clinton Museum 5:54 p.m.
- RDP brings family-oriented 'Joyride II' 5:54 p.m.
- Sculptor turns scrap metal into art 5:54 p.m.
- Galleries 5:54 p.m.
- Art canvas 5:54 p.m.
- BYU exhibit evokes identity questions 5:54 p.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- D-Will home for daughter
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- Born of water and the spirit
- Snowstorm hits Utah; 1 dead in crash
- GameDay in Fort Worth
- Woods Cross refinery to shut down
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
354 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
164 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
124 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - No. 22 BYU holds off pesky Lobos
109 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
105
Let's take it to the Broncos, we have nothing to lose.
This was no "nail-biter", the Aggies were in control the whole game and were...
WOW IDAHO DOES OWN UTAH!!! GO BRONCOS!
Wow you sure are intelligent, ahhh the win from Wyoming was last week not...
The idea that anybody else but you is capable of interpreting the...
I miss the days with Malone, Stockton and Hornacek, those guys were injured,...
Not a pretty win, but way to and yet another win BYU. I love this team....
My prayers go to this family for the loss of their fine young son. God bless...
Seriously if you want to hear the arguments of Progressives it won't be on...
Don't go out of your way or anything on reporting here. Four sentences is all...

