The Fort Dodge football team has tried to take everything one step at a time this season.

Friday’s home finale against Sioux City West perfectly encapsulates that train of thought.

The Dodgers (5-2 overall, 2-1 in Class 4A, District 1) know they likely need two wins in as many games to close the regular season to secure a playoff bid. Instead of looking ahead to a potential showdown next week at Spencer, though, head coach Nik Moser dismissed the idea that FDSH will be concentrating on anything other than the Wolverines (0-7, 0-3) inside Dodger Stadium.

Kickoff for Senior Night is set for 7 p.m.

“We have to take care of business and worry about ourselves and this game. Nothing else,” Moser said. “We’ve done our best to stay in the moment and focus on what we are or aren’t doing, regardless of the opponent. That doesn’t change now.

“We’ve talked about trying to get better every day. I don’t care what the record is of the team across the field from us. That’s the focus. If we don’t do our job (tonight), nothing much matters as far as (the postseason picture) is concerned.”

The Dodgers had an extra day to recover from last Thursday’s heartbreaking 44-37 loss at Le Mars, which snapped a five-game win streak. Fort Dodge racked up 563 yards in that contest, but couldn’t get two when it mattered most late in a goal-to-go situation and failed to stop the Bulldogs at crunch time as a seven-point fourth quarter lead evaporated.

Now the focus shifts to the Dodgers protecting their home turf one last time in 2024.

“Our senior class isn’t big, but every one of them contributes to this program in their own way,” Moser said. “They all find a way to make an impact and leave a mark on and off the field. These seniors didn’t win a game as eighth graders, yet they’ve put in the time and stayed committed to each other to reach this point.

“It’s an easy group to root for, and we’re hoping our fans show up to do that. Going for the sixth win of the year in Week 8 is a big deal.”

Jamarius Green had a career-high 271 yards on the ground for Fort Dodge at Le Mars, clearing the 1,000-yard mark for the season in the process. Green now ranks third in Class 4A for rushing yards, and has moved into the No. 17 position all-time for Dodger running backs with 1,446 career yards.

Sophomore quarterback Tru McBride is third in 4A with 16 touchdown passes and seventh in passing yards (1,208).

For the Wolverines, junior quarterbrack Turner Joy had thrown for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior Abraham Gonzalez has 462 receiving yards and four scores.

West’s ground game has struggled, with only junior Koda Tyndall (174 yards) posing a significant threat.

Fort Dodge will be without active junior linebacker Caiden Fraher, who suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury last week at Le Mars. His leg is not broken, but Fraher may have significant ligament damage. His status remains unknown for next week.

“The kids know where they stand,” Moser said. “We’re No. 16 in the RPI, and have a lot of work to do. If we go 2-0 the next two weeks, we should be in. If we split and finish 6-3, we’re going to need a lot of help.”