ORANGEVILLE — Wade Dettman hadn’t played running back since his junior varsity days at Dakota, and was the starting guard this season.

But injuries to both Cody Jacobson (knee) and Evan Dornink (ankle) made it possible for the senior to make a return at the position when the Indians needed it most.

Orangeville (4-3, 4-2 NUIC Upstate) was about as competitive as any team has been during Dakota’s flawless run this season, but the Broncos’ efforts weren’t enough as the Indians (7-0, 6-0 NUIC Northwest) won on the road 24-14.

Playing both positions, Dettman knew exactly what to say after a 15-carry, 52-yard game with two touchdown runs.

“I can’t thank the line enough,” Dettman said. “They don’t get enough credit. Whatever I can do to help my team to win, I’ll do.”

The converted tailback also went out to split end and caught four passes for 30 yards. Dakota extended its winning streak to 21 games since 2007.

The Indians caught a break at the start of the game on special teams when the Broncos return team fumbled the opening kickoff and Dakota recovered on the Orangeville 33-yard-line.

Tommy Bowers (21 carries, 85 yards) carried most of the load until Dornink scored on a 5-yard run for the first touchdown of the night.

“That was huge,” Dettman said. “That was a big turnover right there, and our kick team made a great play to start that drive.”

The Broncos fired right back on the team’s second possession, when quarterback Trace Hanson (6-for-11 for 107 yards) connected on a 64-yard pass to Austin Cramer (4 catches for 98 yards) to tie the game at eight.

Dakota took over from there, scoring quickly and never trailing again.

Dornink, playing with an injury he had coming into the game, did not return after his first-quarter efforts.

- Joey Baskerville, Gatehouse News Service