The Madison Bulldogs let a fourth-quarter lead slip away Friday night, falling to Dell Rapids 15-14 in the season opener.

Madison led 14-nothing at halftime after quarterback Henry Veenhof scored on a two-yard keeper with just over 11 minutes left in the second quarter. Veenhof then connected with Ethan Sims on a five-yard touchdown pass with 1:13 remaining in the half. Tyler Troxell converted both extra points.

Dell Rapids answered in the second half. Jace Brende broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to cut Madison’s lead to 14-7.

The Quarriers then took the lead with just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Hayden Hansen scored on a 21-yard scramble, and Brende added the two-point conversion to put Dell Rapids ahead 15-14.

After scoring twice in the first half, the Bulldogs offence was shut down the rest of the game. Veenhof was sacked four times in the second half, as Madison also struggled with pre-snap penalties.

Veenhof completed 16 of 26 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. He also led Madison on the ground with 37 yards on 19 carries.

Sims finished with seven receptions for 84 yards, while Nolan Nielsen added 40 yards receiving.

Defensively, Ashten Dorhout led Madison with 13 total tackles, including 6.5 for a loss. Jade Wilkens, Sawyer Hegg and Malachi Ouverson also contributed multiple tackles and sacks.

Madison finished with 240 yards of total offense, while Dell Rapids had 327 yards.

The Bulldogs travel to Tri-Valley this Friday to take on the 0-1 Mustangs.