9/18/08
By: Clint Cox
On a night of many strange twist and turns, the Marianna Bulldogs jumped out to a big lead early and then held on for a 36-28 over county rival Graceville. Marianna cashed in on several early turnovers by Graceville and jumped out to a 21-0 lead. It all started as Tre Long bolted 48 yards for a quick score on Marianna’s first possession. Graceville was moving the ball downfield on the ensuing possession but coughed up the ball and Laramie Dryden recovered for the Bulldogs. Battles took the first handoff and raced 68 yards for another Bulldog score. Again Graceville moved the ball and again they fumbled, this time it was recovered by Fidel Montgomery. Both teams traded punts and with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter Dustin Larkin hit Long on a 53 yard scoring pass.
Up 21-0 going into the second quarter Marianna realized that the Tigers were not going to quit. Graceville went on a 10 play drive behind the running of Leron Hoover and passing of Justin Miles. Early in the second quarter Graceville scored on a 4 yard run by Antrell Wright to cap a 10 play drive that covered 71 yards. The two point conversion run by Miles was good to make it a 21-8 lead for Marianna. In the waning moments of the first half Marianna defensive end Tommy Stephens picked off a Tiger pass and rambled 63 yards for another Bulldog score. Marianna led 29-8 at the half.
Once again the Tigers proved they would not roll over as they took the opening possession of the second half and drove 53 yards and scored on a one yard plunge by Hoover. The two point conversion failed and Graceville trailed 29-14. Marianna responded by putting together a scoring drive of their own when Battles scored his second TD of the night on a 1 yard run. Troy Clemmons point after kick made it 36-14 in the Bulldogs favor. Graceville fired right back after a big kick off return by Hoover to the Bulldog 32 yard line. Miles scored 5 plays later on a 14 yard run and Treyshaun White added a two point conversion run to narrow the gap to 36-22 with just under three minutes to play in the third quarter.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter Marianna appeared to be salting the game away with a long drive that ate up almost five minutes off the clock. But Battles had the ball stripped away from him by Chris Works of Graceville. Works then raced 80 yards down the field untouched for a Tiger score. After a failed two point play the Tigers trailed 36-28 with six minutes to play. The Bulldogs once again put together a long drive and with less than two minutes to play appeared to have a long touchdown run from R.J. Bowers to all but secure the win. But Bowers quickly set the ball down when he thought he had crossed the goal line. But he actually put the ball down before he entered the end zone and Graceville fell on the ball. The Tigers had no timeouts and 99 yards to go to try to tie the game up. But the Bulldog defense held and Marianna hung on for the 36-28 victory.
Battles led the Bulldogs with 126 yards and 2 scores. Tre Long followed with 101 yards of total offense and 2 TDs. Graceville was led by Hoover with 151 yards on 30 carries. White followed with 116 yards of rushing as well. Marianna improved to 2-0 on the season and will be off this week. They will next be in action on September 26th when they travel to Jacksonville to take on Episcopal. Graceville fell to 1-1 on the year and will play host to Holmes County on Friday at 7 pm.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tigers Rush Past Liberty County
9/11/08
By Clint Cox
After a preseason kickoff classic in which they racked up 42 points, the Graceville Tigers opened up the 2008 regular season with a 36-16 win over the visiting Liberty County Bulldogs. The Tigers once again used a brutal rushing attack to churn out 360 yards on the ground.
The Tigers got off to a good start as they capitalized on a Bulldog turnover early in the first quarter. Treyshaun White then put the Tigers on the scoreboard with a 22 yard run. But Liberty County countered with a touchdown and 2 point conversion on the ensuing drive to take a 8-6 lead into the second quarter. Graceville then mounted a textbook drive, ripping off an 11 play effort. Leron Hoover bulled his way into the end zone and then Justin Miles converted the two point play to make it a 14-8 Graceville lead at the half.
In the third quarter the Tigers began to break open the game as Hoover once again scored, this time on a 3 yard run. Hoover added to the two point conversion run to make it a 22-8 lead. The Tiger defense got into the action when White picked off a Bulldog pass. Miles then rambled 53 yards for a score, which was followed by a two point pass play from Miles to White. The Tigers took a commanding 30-8 lead into the final quarter. After Liberty County posted a score White scored the final touchdown of the night on a 35 yard run.
The Tigers were led on offense by the rushing of Hoover with 124 yards and White with 123 yards. That same pair led the defense as Hoover recorded 14 tackles and White had 11 tackles along with his interception. Chris Works followed on defense with 8 tackles.
Graceville plays at Marianna on Friday (See Friday Night Preview).
By Clint Cox
After a preseason kickoff classic in which they racked up 42 points, the Graceville Tigers opened up the 2008 regular season with a 36-16 win over the visiting Liberty County Bulldogs. The Tigers once again used a brutal rushing attack to churn out 360 yards on the ground.
The Tigers got off to a good start as they capitalized on a Bulldog turnover early in the first quarter. Treyshaun White then put the Tigers on the scoreboard with a 22 yard run. But Liberty County countered with a touchdown and 2 point conversion on the ensuing drive to take a 8-6 lead into the second quarter. Graceville then mounted a textbook drive, ripping off an 11 play effort. Leron Hoover bulled his way into the end zone and then Justin Miles converted the two point play to make it a 14-8 Graceville lead at the half.
In the third quarter the Tigers began to break open the game as Hoover once again scored, this time on a 3 yard run. Hoover added to the two point conversion run to make it a 22-8 lead. The Tiger defense got into the action when White picked off a Bulldog pass. Miles then rambled 53 yards for a score, which was followed by a two point pass play from Miles to White. The Tigers took a commanding 30-8 lead into the final quarter. After Liberty County posted a score White scored the final touchdown of the night on a 35 yard run.
The Tigers were led on offense by the rushing of Hoover with 124 yards and White with 123 yards. That same pair led the defense as Hoover recorded 14 tackles and White had 11 tackles along with his interception. Chris Works followed on defense with 8 tackles.
Graceville plays at Marianna on Friday (See Friday Night Preview).
‘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)
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)
Chipley JV 7 - Marianna JV 0
9/11/08
The two junior varsity teams warmed up, the national anthem was played, the coin flip ceremony was performed at center field, Marianna lined up and kicked off to Chipley, the ball flew to the 25 yard line where it was fielded by a Chipley back, he broke through the center of the oncoming pack, moved left to avoid a tackle, and raced 75 yards for a touchdown. That was followed by a perfect extra point kick. From that point the crowd might as well have packed up and gone home…the game was over.
For the ensuing four quarters of play it was a defensive battle, with neither team able to muster a meaningful offensive attack. The entire game was played between the thirty yard lines as both defensive units effectively shut down the opposing offense.
The Marianna squad under the coaching expertise of Adam Gray was sorely missing the presence of star running back Chris Bowers, who was pulled up to the varsity squad a few days before this JV contest.
The offensive half of the team appeared to be unprepared to play a game, as was demonstrated by numerous off side incursions, alignment problems, and backfield motion penalties which effectively shut down the effort when any offensive momentum was begun. There were several fumbles which appeared to be caused by lack of the practiced timing required for effective play execution. Additionally, it appeared that the offensive unit had a very limited play library, as the same plays were run over and over with little result.
This was a bitter loss for this group of upcoming Marianna players, since this same group of youngsters had experienced two years of undefeated middle school play, under the coaching of Hunter Nolen. They are not familiar with the emotion of losing.
The two junior varsity teams warmed up, the national anthem was played, the coin flip ceremony was performed at center field, Marianna lined up and kicked off to Chipley, the ball flew to the 25 yard line where it was fielded by a Chipley back, he broke through the center of the oncoming pack, moved left to avoid a tackle, and raced 75 yards for a touchdown. That was followed by a perfect extra point kick. From that point the crowd might as well have packed up and gone home…the game was over.
For the ensuing four quarters of play it was a defensive battle, with neither team able to muster a meaningful offensive attack. The entire game was played between the thirty yard lines as both defensive units effectively shut down the opposing offense.
The Marianna squad under the coaching expertise of Adam Gray was sorely missing the presence of star running back Chris Bowers, who was pulled up to the varsity squad a few days before this JV contest.
The offensive half of the team appeared to be unprepared to play a game, as was demonstrated by numerous off side incursions, alignment problems, and backfield motion penalties which effectively shut down the effort when any offensive momentum was begun. There were several fumbles which appeared to be caused by lack of the practiced timing required for effective play execution. Additionally, it appeared that the offensive unit had a very limited play library, as the same plays were run over and over with little result.
This was a bitter loss for this group of upcoming Marianna players, since this same group of youngsters had experienced two years of undefeated middle school play, under the coaching of Hunter Nolen. They are not familiar with the emotion of losing.
Lady Tigers and Lady Bulldogs Split in JV Volleyball
9/11/08
By Clint Cox
The Graceville Lady Tigers JV volleyball squads came to Marianna on Monday night and left with a split. The Lady Tigers 9th grade squad posted a 25-10 win in game one while posting a 25-18 win in game two. In other JV action the Lady Tigers forced Marianna to three games but the Lady Bulldogs hung on to claim a victory for the match.
In game one Marianna won by a score of 25-17. The second game saw the two squads battle back and forth. Graceville began to pull away when they went up 13-10. The Lady Tigers maintained a led throughout the remainder of the game and finished with a 6 point victory, 25-19. In the tie breaker it was Marianna jumping out to an early lead and then going on to win 15-9.
The wins for Graceville were their first wins since 1982, which was the last year in which the school fielded a volleyball team.
By Clint Cox
The Graceville Lady Tigers JV volleyball squads came to Marianna on Monday night and left with a split. The Lady Tigers 9th grade squad posted a 25-10 win in game one while posting a 25-18 win in game two. In other JV action the Lady Tigers forced Marianna to three games but the Lady Bulldogs hung on to claim a victory for the match.
In game one Marianna won by a score of 25-17. The second game saw the two squads battle back and forth. Graceville began to pull away when they went up 13-10. The Lady Tigers maintained a led throughout the remainder of the game and finished with a 6 point victory, 25-19. In the tie breaker it was Marianna jumping out to an early lead and then going on to win 15-9.
The wins for Graceville were their first wins since 1982, which was the last year in which the school fielded a volleyball team.
Hornets Win Wild One
9/11/08
By: Clint Cox
Rivalries are suppose to be crazy affairs and this past Friday night’s version of the annual kickoff rivalry between Cottondale and Sneads was all that and more. The Hornets pulled out a thrilling 32-24 victory over the visiting Pirates.
The game started out with the Pirate’s Michael Kinard recording an early safety on the Hornets. Taylor Edge then ran for a touchdown and the Pirates took an 8-0 lead. Late in the first half the Hornets countered as Nick Jackson hauled in a 26 yard pass reception from Jesse Freeman for a score. Dominique Webb ran in the two point conversion play and the Hornets had tied the game at 8-8. But the Pirates quickly reclaimed the momentum in the final minute of the half as Mark Lawson bolted 58 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a score. Sneads held a 14-8 lead at the half.
Cottondale came out and took the opening possession of the second half right down the field. Noreese Williams scored on a 1 yard run and then Freeman hit Jacob Herring on a two point pass play to give the Hornets a 16-14 lead. The Pirates reclaimed the lead in a most unusual way. They got back to back safeties as the Pirate’s Billy Knight tackled Herring in the endzone to tie the game up. On the Hornet’s next possession a snap on a punt attempt went over the head of Herring and through the end zone. That gave Sneads a 18-16 lead as the game had now moved into the fourth quarter. The Pirates Jeff Davis
The Pirates drove down the field and appeared poised to expand their lead but coughed up the ball at the Hornet’s five yard line. Cottondale recovered and Jackson ripped off a 69 yard run for a score. Williams added the two point run to tie the game at 24-18. Sneads fired right back as Jeff Davis scored on a 42 yard run to tie the game at 24-24 with less than two minutes to play. But the Hornets would not die and they marched down the field and with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Freeman hit Jackson on a 21 yard scoring strike. Webb added the two point run to make the final score 32-24 in the Hornets favor.
Freeman was 14-30 for 181 yards and two TDs on the night while Jackson caught two TD passes and ran for another. Sneads was led by Davis with 170 yards rushing and Lawson with 152 yards rushing. Edge also had a fine night punting as had 5 punts for 164 yards and continually kept the Hornets backed up deep in their own territory.
Cottondale will host Liberty County on Friday night while Sneads will have this week off and play host to Franklin County next Friday night in their district opener.
By: Clint Cox
Rivalries are suppose to be crazy affairs and this past Friday night’s version of the annual kickoff rivalry between Cottondale and Sneads was all that and more. The Hornets pulled out a thrilling 32-24 victory over the visiting Pirates.
The game started out with the Pirate’s Michael Kinard recording an early safety on the Hornets. Taylor Edge then ran for a touchdown and the Pirates took an 8-0 lead. Late in the first half the Hornets countered as Nick Jackson hauled in a 26 yard pass reception from Jesse Freeman for a score. Dominique Webb ran in the two point conversion play and the Hornets had tied the game at 8-8. But the Pirates quickly reclaimed the momentum in the final minute of the half as Mark Lawson bolted 58 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a score. Sneads held a 14-8 lead at the half.
Cottondale came out and took the opening possession of the second half right down the field. Noreese Williams scored on a 1 yard run and then Freeman hit Jacob Herring on a two point pass play to give the Hornets a 16-14 lead. The Pirates reclaimed the lead in a most unusual way. They got back to back safeties as the Pirate’s Billy Knight tackled Herring in the endzone to tie the game up. On the Hornet’s next possession a snap on a punt attempt went over the head of Herring and through the end zone. That gave Sneads a 18-16 lead as the game had now moved into the fourth quarter. The Pirates Jeff Davis
The Pirates drove down the field and appeared poised to expand their lead but coughed up the ball at the Hornet’s five yard line. Cottondale recovered and Jackson ripped off a 69 yard run for a score. Williams added the two point run to tie the game at 24-18. Sneads fired right back as Jeff Davis scored on a 42 yard run to tie the game at 24-24 with less than two minutes to play. But the Hornets would not die and they marched down the field and with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Freeman hit Jackson on a 21 yard scoring strike. Webb added the two point run to make the final score 32-24 in the Hornets favor.
Freeman was 14-30 for 181 yards and two TDs on the night while Jackson caught two TD passes and ran for another. Sneads was led by Davis with 170 yards rushing and Lawson with 152 yards rushing. Edge also had a fine night punting as had 5 punts for 164 yards and continually kept the Hornets backed up deep in their own territory.
Cottondale will host Liberty County on Friday night while Sneads will have this week off and play host to Franklin County next Friday night in their district opener.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Jaguars Down ‘Dogs
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bulldogs traveled to Quincy to take on East Gadsden in a Kickoff Classic and fell 24-13 to the Jaguars. The night started on a good note for the ‘Dogs as Tre’ Long took the opening kickoff and raced 90 yards for a touchdown. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick and Marianna led 7-0 before the fans were barely in their seats. But from that point on the speed and athletism of the Jaguars took over as East Gadsden reeled off 24 unanswered points during the first two quarters and led 24-7 at the half. The second half saw little scoring until late in the game when Marianna QB Fidel Montgomery rambled 20 yards down the sidelines for a score. A two point pass failed and the Bulldogs left Quincy with the 11 point defeat.
Marianna certainly didn’t overload their workhorse, senior running back Bradley Battles, in this preseason game. Battles had 43 yards on 6 carries. Instead Head Coach Rob Armstrong made sure that the other less experienced backs got plenty of carries. Jacorian Borders had 47 yards on 11 carries, R.J. Bowers had 12 carries for 40 yards, Kevin Lockhart had 30 yards on 9 carries and Montgomery had 5 carries for 41 yards. "I feel good about the number of guys that we were able to get some carries," said Armstrong. The Bulldogs will also count on running back Quan Boykin who sat out this game due to injury.
Armstrong was not concerned with the final tally on the scoreboard. "We got to play a lot of folks and now we can take the film from this game and start preparing for our opening game," said Armstrong. He also talked about the opening kickoff return by Long. "Boy it was good to see Tre do that, I was proud for him. He’s been working real hard," said Armstrong.
The Bulldogs open the 2008 campaign at home on Friday when they play host to Blountstown at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bulldogs traveled to Quincy to take on East Gadsden in a Kickoff Classic and fell 24-13 to the Jaguars. The night started on a good note for the ‘Dogs as Tre’ Long took the opening kickoff and raced 90 yards for a touchdown. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick and Marianna led 7-0 before the fans were barely in their seats. But from that point on the speed and athletism of the Jaguars took over as East Gadsden reeled off 24 unanswered points during the first two quarters and led 24-7 at the half. The second half saw little scoring until late in the game when Marianna QB Fidel Montgomery rambled 20 yards down the sidelines for a score. A two point pass failed and the Bulldogs left Quincy with the 11 point defeat.
Marianna certainly didn’t overload their workhorse, senior running back Bradley Battles, in this preseason game. Battles had 43 yards on 6 carries. Instead Head Coach Rob Armstrong made sure that the other less experienced backs got plenty of carries. Jacorian Borders had 47 yards on 11 carries, R.J. Bowers had 12 carries for 40 yards, Kevin Lockhart had 30 yards on 9 carries and Montgomery had 5 carries for 41 yards. "I feel good about the number of guys that we were able to get some carries," said Armstrong. The Bulldogs will also count on running back Quan Boykin who sat out this game due to injury.
Armstrong was not concerned with the final tally on the scoreboard. "We got to play a lot of folks and now we can take the film from this game and start preparing for our opening game," said Armstrong. He also talked about the opening kickoff return by Long. "Boy it was good to see Tre do that, I was proud for him. He’s been working real hard," said Armstrong.
The Bulldogs open the 2008 campaign at home on Friday when they play host to Blountstown at 7 pm.
Tigers Upend Pirates
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville Tigers play host to the Sneads Pirates in a preseason kickoff classic and posted a 42-14 win over the visitors. Both squads came out battling and played to a scoreless first quarter. But beginning early in the second quarter the Tigers got cranked up while the Pirates got tired, a point noted by new Sneads Head Coach Don Dowling. "I thought we ran out of gas toward the end of the first quarter and give credit to Graceville they took advantage of that," said Dowling. The heat and humidity had taken a toll on the Pirates. "We’ve got to get into better shape. "It was breathing through a mop out there," Dowling added when asked about the humid August night.
Graceville’s Antrell Wright scored early in the second quarter on a 12 yard run. Treyshaun White ran the two point conversion in to make it a 8-0 game. After a Sneads fumble on the next possession, the Tigers got a 2 yard scoring run from White. Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds for the two point conversion pass to make it 16-0. The Pirates showed some fight on the ensuing kickoff as Mark Lawson return the kick 78 yards for a score. Taylor Edge booted the extra point to pull the Pirates to 16-7. But Graceville seized the momentum right back as Wright bolted 43 yards for a scoring run. Jamie Simmons added the two point play to give Graceville a 24-7 lead. The Pirates looked to be moving the ball and made it into Tiger territory. But Florian Litim picked off a Pirate pass inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line to kill the Pirate’s drive. With less than a minute to play in the half Wright scampered 18 yards for another score to make it 30-7 at the half.
In the second half the Tigers took the opening possession drive right down the field with a textbook drive. After a long drive Miles scored on a 4 yard run to make it a 36-7 game. Miles added the final score for Graceville and gave the Tigers a 42-7 lead. The Pirates managed a late score on a run by Lawson.
Graceville was led by Wright with 156 yards on 10 carries with 3 touchdowns. Miles and Leron Hoover each added 89 yards. Lawson was the lone offense spark for the Pirates as he rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns.
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville Tigers play host to the Sneads Pirates in a preseason kickoff classic and posted a 42-14 win over the visitors. Both squads came out battling and played to a scoreless first quarter. But beginning early in the second quarter the Tigers got cranked up while the Pirates got tired, a point noted by new Sneads Head Coach Don Dowling. "I thought we ran out of gas toward the end of the first quarter and give credit to Graceville they took advantage of that," said Dowling. The heat and humidity had taken a toll on the Pirates. "We’ve got to get into better shape. "It was breathing through a mop out there," Dowling added when asked about the humid August night.
Graceville’s Antrell Wright scored early in the second quarter on a 12 yard run. Treyshaun White ran the two point conversion in to make it a 8-0 game. After a Sneads fumble on the next possession, the Tigers got a 2 yard scoring run from White. Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds for the two point conversion pass to make it 16-0. The Pirates showed some fight on the ensuing kickoff as Mark Lawson return the kick 78 yards for a score. Taylor Edge booted the extra point to pull the Pirates to 16-7. But Graceville seized the momentum right back as Wright bolted 43 yards for a scoring run. Jamie Simmons added the two point play to give Graceville a 24-7 lead. The Pirates looked to be moving the ball and made it into Tiger territory. But Florian Litim picked off a Pirate pass inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line to kill the Pirate’s drive. With less than a minute to play in the half Wright scampered 18 yards for another score to make it 30-7 at the half.
In the second half the Tigers took the opening possession drive right down the field with a textbook drive. After a long drive Miles scored on a 4 yard run to make it a 36-7 game. Miles added the final score for Graceville and gave the Tigers a 42-7 lead. The Pirates managed a late score on a run by Lawson.
Graceville was led by Wright with 156 yards on 10 carries with 3 touchdowns. Miles and Leron Hoover each added 89 yards. Lawson was the lone offense spark for the Pirates as he rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Friday Night Preview
9/4/08
Sneads (0-0) at Cottondale (0-0) 7 pm
There is no better way to open up the season than with a big rivalry like this annual matchup. Last year saw Sneads hang on for a 37-30 thriller in Sneads. Both squads have great skilled position players. Sneads has a veteran QB and line, while Cottondale is very young in the trenches. Both squads fell in their preseason kickoff classics so they hope to bounce back with a win in the regular season opener. In a rivalry like this, anything can happen, so it’s too close to call.
Blountstown (0-0) at Marianna (0-0) 7 pm
Rob Armstrong’s first victory as the Bulldog’s Head Coach came in Blountstown last year. The Tigers lost several players to Division I colleges but downed Liberty Co. 20-0 in their preseason kickoff classic. Marianna fell to East Gadsden last week in their preseason game but Bradley Battles only carried the ball six times. He’ll get plenty of carries and the Bulldogs should get a win.
Liberty Co. (0-0) at Graceville (0-0) 7 pm
Graceville looked impressive in their kickoff classic against Sneads. Liberty Co. fell to Blountstown 20-0 but expect the Bulldogs to have more bite this week. The Tigers hope their veteran offensive line can open up some holes for Antrell White (156 yards rushing / 3 TDs against Sneads), Trey White and Leron Hoover. With the game being played in G’ville, the Tigers will keep it close and then pull off the upset over the Bulldogs.
Sneads (0-0) at Cottondale (0-0) 7 pm
There is no better way to open up the season than with a big rivalry like this annual matchup. Last year saw Sneads hang on for a 37-30 thriller in Sneads. Both squads have great skilled position players. Sneads has a veteran QB and line, while Cottondale is very young in the trenches. Both squads fell in their preseason kickoff classics so they hope to bounce back with a win in the regular season opener. In a rivalry like this, anything can happen, so it’s too close to call.
Blountstown (0-0) at Marianna (0-0) 7 pm
Rob Armstrong’s first victory as the Bulldog’s Head Coach came in Blountstown last year. The Tigers lost several players to Division I colleges but downed Liberty Co. 20-0 in their preseason kickoff classic. Marianna fell to East Gadsden last week in their preseason game but Bradley Battles only carried the ball six times. He’ll get plenty of carries and the Bulldogs should get a win.
Liberty Co. (0-0) at Graceville (0-0) 7 pm
Graceville looked impressive in their kickoff classic against Sneads. Liberty Co. fell to Blountstown 20-0 but expect the Bulldogs to have more bite this week. The Tigers hope their veteran offensive line can open up some holes for Antrell White (156 yards rushing / 3 TDs against Sneads), Trey White and Leron Hoover. With the game being played in G’ville, the Tigers will keep it close and then pull off the upset over the Bulldogs.
Freeport Edges Hornets
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
There was plenty of orange and blue on the field as Freeport came to Cottondale last Thursday night and went home with a 37-32 win over the Hornets in a pre-season kickoff classic. Both squads sport orange and blue on the school colors and the orange and blue clad Bulldogs struck first in this contest. They returned the opening kickoff to the Hornet’s 15 yard line. The Hornet defense held for 3 downs but on a 4th and short play, Freeport struck with a 17 yard scoring strike.
Cottondale gave up an interception during their first possession on a 4th down play. The Bulldogs took that interception and returned it to the Hornet 23 yard line. Again the Hornet defense held for 3 downs and again the Bulldogs came up with a big play on 4th down to score. They then converted on a 2 point play to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. On the Hornet’s next possession halfback Jacob Herring connected with wide receiver Terry Benbow on a halfback pass. Benbow then raced 74 yards for the Hornets first score. Dominique Webb added the two point conversion run to make it 15-8 at the close of the quarter. The Hornets then held Freeport on their next possession and forced a punt. The Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 29 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Benbow. Noreese Williams gave the Hornets a 16-15 lead with a two point conversion run.
Freeport countered with a long return on the ensuing kickoff and then struck paydirt on their first play with a touchdown pass. They converted the two point play to take a 23-16 lead. Cottondale had one more shot in the half after Ronnie Dixon recovered a Bulldog fumble. But the Hornets could not cash in and trailed by 7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter Freeport expanded their lead early in the final quarter with a 40 yard screen pass. After kicking the extra point they led 30-16. Cottondale kept battling and took their next possession down to the Bulldog’s 30 yard line. On a 4th and 1 play Webb bolted through the line and raced to the end zone. Williams added the two point run to make it a 30-24 ball game with 8 minutes to play. The Hornets could not cash in on two more possessions and then the Bulldogs put up one final score with less than two minutes to play. The Hornets again proved they would not roll over and moved the ball downfield on a 35 yard pass play from Freeman to James Johns. Freeman then hooked up with Drew Bellamy for a 15 yard score with 6 seconds to play. Freeman added a two point conversion run to make the final 37-32.
Cottondale opens up the 2008 regular season when they host Sneads on Friday night at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
There was plenty of orange and blue on the field as Freeport came to Cottondale last Thursday night and went home with a 37-32 win over the Hornets in a pre-season kickoff classic. Both squads sport orange and blue on the school colors and the orange and blue clad Bulldogs struck first in this contest. They returned the opening kickoff to the Hornet’s 15 yard line. The Hornet defense held for 3 downs but on a 4th and short play, Freeport struck with a 17 yard scoring strike.
Cottondale gave up an interception during their first possession on a 4th down play. The Bulldogs took that interception and returned it to the Hornet 23 yard line. Again the Hornet defense held for 3 downs and again the Bulldogs came up with a big play on 4th down to score. They then converted on a 2 point play to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. On the Hornet’s next possession halfback Jacob Herring connected with wide receiver Terry Benbow on a halfback pass. Benbow then raced 74 yards for the Hornets first score. Dominique Webb added the two point conversion run to make it 15-8 at the close of the quarter. The Hornets then held Freeport on their next possession and forced a punt. The Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 29 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Benbow. Noreese Williams gave the Hornets a 16-15 lead with a two point conversion run.
Freeport countered with a long return on the ensuing kickoff and then struck paydirt on their first play with a touchdown pass. They converted the two point play to take a 23-16 lead. Cottondale had one more shot in the half after Ronnie Dixon recovered a Bulldog fumble. But the Hornets could not cash in and trailed by 7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter Freeport expanded their lead early in the final quarter with a 40 yard screen pass. After kicking the extra point they led 30-16. Cottondale kept battling and took their next possession down to the Bulldog’s 30 yard line. On a 4th and 1 play Webb bolted through the line and raced to the end zone. Williams added the two point run to make it a 30-24 ball game with 8 minutes to play. The Hornets could not cash in on two more possessions and then the Bulldogs put up one final score with less than two minutes to play. The Hornets again proved they would not roll over and moved the ball downfield on a 35 yard pass play from Freeman to James Johns. Freeman then hooked up with Drew Bellamy for a 15 yard score with 6 seconds to play. Freeman added a two point conversion run to make the final 37-32.
Cottondale opens up the 2008 regular season when they host Sneads on Friday night at 7 pm.
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