Hancock tailback Austin Salani busts through the middle of the L’Anse defense Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Hancock, Mich. The contest at McAfee Field went to the Bulldogs. (Paul Peterson/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — For one half Thursday evening, it was a typical L’Anse-Hancock football game.

The Bulldogs held a slim 7-0 halftime lead at McAfee Field as both defenses were dominant in the season opener.

But the Bulldogs relied on their stout defense to halt any offensive thrusts by the Purple Hornets on the way to a 21-0 WestPAC Copper Division victory.

First-year Bulldogs head coach Ramon Sague said the game went almost like he expected.

“I told the kids before the game to expect a fourth quarter battle,” Sague said. “It could have gone either way, as these games with L’Anse usually do.”

Junior back Austin Salani made the major difference in the hard-hitting game. He rushed for more than 140 yards, scored twice and intercepted a pair of L’Anse passes.

LHS coach Mark Leaf said it’s difficult to contain players like (quarterback) Colton and Austin Salani.

“They’re the kind of players who can hurt you in so many ways,” Leaf said. “But I thought we did a good job for the most part.”

L’Anse appeared ready to get right back into things when it marched to the Hancock 25-yard line late in the third quarter with 13 straight runs.

The running of senior tailback Jonah Dowd, who picked up 79 yards in the game, and Dysean Allen keyed the drive. But the Bulldogs turned back three straight LHS passes to halt the momentum.

“That was a key to winning the game,” Sague said. “If they score there it’s anyone’s game.”

When Austin Salani busted off a 44-yard scamper on the next play after the defensive stop, the Crimson and Gold clearly had regained momentum.

Colton Salani converted a key fourth down and eight with a pass to Carsen Chynoweth at the L’Anse 9. Austin Salani ran it in from there and it was 14-0 in the third.

The winners got a window dressing score with five minutes left when Cole Stuber plunged in from a yard away.

Austin Salani had scored on a 9-yard run in the first quarter, setting it up when he picked off a pass by L’Anse quarterback Pressly Rasanen.

Hancock visits Gogebic next week, while L’Anse visits Houghton.

L’Anse 0 0 0 0 — 0

Hancock 7 0 7 7 — 21

First Quarter

H — A. Salani 9 run (A. Salani kick)

Third Quarter

H — A.Salani 9 run (A. Salani kick)

Fourth Quarter

H — Stber 1 run (A. Salani kick)