‘Dogs Pound The Tigers

9/11/08
By Clint Cox

MARIANNA – The Bulldogs racked up over 350 yards of rushing en route to a 34-7 win over Blountstown last Friday night. Bradley Battles led the way with 179 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Head Coach Rob Armstrong was pleased to get the season opener win. "Playing these early season games with as many young players that we have is always a challenge. We had a lot of kids seeing varsity action for the first time. I thought they played real well tonight," said Armstrong.
Marianna jumped out to lead late in the first quarter when Battles scored on a 5 yard run. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick to make it 7-0. Midway through the second quarter Tre’ Long rambled 31 yards for a score and the Clemmons point after kick made it 14-0 at the half. Blountstown narrowed the margin with four minutes to play in the third quarter when Malcolm Ivory scored from 3 yards out. On the ensuing kickoff the Tigers pinned the Bulldogs down on the four yard line. The Tigers appeared to have seized the momentum of the game and were poised to get great field position if they could force a punt. But Marianna put together a 10 play drive that covered 96 yards. It culminated with an 11 yard run for a score by Fidel Montgomery early in the fourth quarter. The kick after by Clemmons made it a 21-7 game and gave the momentum back to the Bulldogs. "When it got to 14-7 I was a little be scared but I’m proud of how we came right back and reclaimed that momentum," Armstrong commented.
Marianna added two more score in the final quarter as Battles raced 38 yards for a score and Quan Boykin scrambled 21 yards to find the end zone. With a 34-7 win and 356 yards of rushing offense Armstrong was proud of his team, especially his young offensive line. "We’ve got to be able to move the ball to be successful. Those guys on the line did a great job tonight," said Armstrong. Long finished with 91 yards rushing while Boykin added 71 yards. Clemmons led the defense with 9 tackles and a sack while Laramie Dryden recorded 7 tackles for the game. Battles recorded an interception as well.
Marianna prepares for the upcoming match with Graceville this Friday at Bulldog Stadium at 7 pm. (See Friday Night Preview)