T-NT Classic Player of the Game: Joe Dotterweich

Congratulations to North Tonawanda halfback Joe Dotterweich, who has been named WNYAthletics.com’s Player of the Game. The senior ran for three touchdowns and 160 yards on 14 carries in NT’s 41-18 win over rival Tonawanda. The victory extended the Lumberjacks’ winning streak to 16 consecutive years of defeating the Warriors. Dotterweich scored on the team’s opening drive with an 8-yard touchdown followed by scores of 22 yards out and 20 yards out in the second and fourth quarter respectively.

If you’ve been at a North Tonawanda football game this year, Dotterweich has been one of the top players that opposing teams have prepared their game-plan around. However, teams have had limited success at stopping the man that head coach Henry Fumerelle has referred to as “Mr. Outside” the past two seasons. In 2016, “Jumpin Joe” has scored 13 touchdowns and ran for over 100-yards in four of NT’s seven games.

After the game, Dotterweich gave all the credit to his teammates for providing him the opportunity to make the big plays, including a 54-yard dash into the Tonawanda red zone late in the second half. If NT wants to make a big run, Dotterweich said, they have to do it together, starting with the first snap of their next practice. “We just have to stay together and continue to work hard,” he said. “If we do that, I am confident in our ability to make a big run.”

While nothing has officially been released, NT will likely host a playoff game at the Lumberyard this upcoming Friday night, October 21. If so, it will be the first time since 2011 when NT defeated Amherst in overtime, 15-13.