Bulldogs Fall To Crusaders

10/16/08
By Clint Cox

MARIANNA – The Pensacola Catholic Crusaders rode into Bulldog Stadium last Friday night and put on an impressive offensive display en route to a 37-12 win over Marianna. The loss was tough on Marianna for several reasons. It was their first loss of the season and was a district matchup. It was also costly for the Bulldog’s bench looked like a M.A.S.H. unit by the end of the game as four players went down with injuries during the game. Most if not all of those four players, Brandon Hughes, Michael Holloway, Quan Boykin and Tre’ Long will not see action this Friday night.
The evening started well for Marianna as Long took the second offensive play for Marianna and bolted 65 yards for a score. After a missed extra point Marianna led 6-0 with less than a minute gone in the game. But the Crusaders came right back and scored on their second offensive play. A 51 yard touchdown pass tied the game at 6-6. A 13 yard field goal moments later made it 9-6 in the Crusader’s favor. The Crusaders then exploded for three touchdowns in the second quarter, two through the air and one on the ground. At the half Marianna trailed 30-6.
The third quarter was scoreless until late when Bradley Battles scored on a 1 yard run for the Bulldogs. Pensacola Catholic scored midway through the fourth quarter to make the final 37-12. The Crusaders quarterback, Shaun White, threw for 210 yards and 3 TDs while their running back rushed for 177 yards. The bad news is that both are just sophomores. Even so, Marianna had their chance, especially early on when they drove deep into Crusader territory. "We had too many missed opportunities," said Bulldog Head Coach Rob Armstrong. "We could have made it 12-9 but just could not get it done," commented Armstrong.
Battles rushed for 124 yards and a TD while Fidel Montgomery led the defense with 11 tackles. Laramie Dryden and Tommy Stephens followed with 9 tackles each. Marianna fell to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in district play. They will hit the road this week to take on arch rival Chipley.