Bulldogs Win On The Road Against Hornets, 20-14
2007.10.21 16:54 | max_journal | db
Bulldogs Win On The Road Against Hornets, 20-14
The Bordentown Bulldogs (60lb Division) defeated a tough Pemberton Hornets squad in Pemberton, 20-14. Autumn is arriving late, and the weather was hot in the direct sunlight making the job of blocking and defending the oversized Pemberton line a tall order. The Bulldogs offensive line faced a Hornet defense which executed well and rarely allowed any breathing room for the Bulldogs rushers. Noah Jackson scored three touchdowns for the Bulldogs, which was enough to hold off a determined Hornet rushing attack that threatened to regain the lead late in the fourth quarter.
The first half was mainly a defensive chess match between coaches. The Pemberton defense played their ace early and often: a persistent and crushing linebacker blitz. The Pemberton defensive ends, looming almost a full helmet-height above their opponents, were also in the backfield numerous times in the first half, disrupting the Bulldogs rushing attack and holding the Bulldogs for a loss on key offensive sequences. After both sides scored, making the score 7-7, The Hornets forced a fumble at one point in the second quarter, preventing the Bulldogs from going ahead before the half.
The second half was characterized by the Bulldogs ability to make adjustments. They had to come up with an answer to the Hornet's harrying blitzes, and they had to clamp down on defense to stop the Hornet's superb running game. They did both.
The Hornets, by contrast, made no adjustments. They continued their straight-ahead blitzing on defense, and they continued to try and force complicated misdirections, reverses and stunts in their offensive rushing game.
Both sides scored again early in the second half, the result of long and determined drives, putting the score at 14-14 with one quarter left in regulation. Back on offense, the Bulldogs started implementing a silent audible to defeat the Hornet's blitzing attack. Quarterback Noah Jackson picked up the imminent blitz, and rushed the ball himself on a sweep. The Hornets wound up standing in the backfield as the play went around them. This put the Bulldogs ahead, 20-14. The Bulldogs could not convert the critical point after, which opened the window for a final Pemberton drive as time was running out in the game.
The Hornets lined up, ready to push off the line and open up huge holes for their backs, which they had been doing all game. And they did it again now that they had to score. On their final play of the game, it appeared that the Hornets running back had nothing but daylight ahead, and a chance to tie the game with a score, and win the game on the PAT. But the Bulldogs defense made their adjustment, and executed a well-coordinated gang tackle led by Andrew Leback, Kyle Kelly and DJ Parks. The ball was jarred free, and the Bulldogs recovered, sealing their win.
The Bulldogs remain undefeated on the road. Their overall record now stands at 5-1 on the season.
Pictures from today's action are available here.
The Bulldogs host the final home game of their schedule next week against the Atco Lions at Bordentown Regional Middle School on Saturday, October 27.
I have missed the games due to work, but your reporting, Dave, makes me feel like I've been there! And your photos are magical. I am so proud of you and love you immensely! Hope you are keeping a scrapbook for the Max-man.
John and I played football with him yesterday, and he is great at the plays. I was on Max's team and we, of course, were winning. Unfortunately, the game was called due to complete exhaustion on Nana and Daw-daw's part.