Bulldogs Defeat Lions, 45-12

By LOU MARTIN

The Progress

Virgin Valley High School pummelled Somerset Academy Losee in a home game played Friday, Sept. 23.

It was a slow start, though. The Bulldogs actuallyfell behind 6-0 less than two minutes into the matchup when Malachi Johnson took a pitchout for the Lions from his own 47 yard line and outraced the Bulldog defense for the score.

But on the next possession, the Bulldog running game took the Dawgs to the Lions 7 yard line before Gunner Cortez hit pay dirt on a keeper tying the game at 6-6. The extra point kick sailed wide.

Isaiah Frieling scored next running the last two yards for the score, after a long Bulldog drive down the field. The point after by Kurt Felix was good giving the Dawgs a 13-6 advantage with a little less than 8 minutes remaining in the first half of play.

The Dawgs defense shut down a long drive by The Lions forcing a punt with 3:45 remaining in the first half. Then the Dawgs hit some misfortune. A Bulldog penalty moved the ball back to the 7 yard line.

Then a fumbled on the next play gave the Lions life on the Dawgs 6 yard line. Three plays later Lions quarterback Jamison Bragg took it in for six points making the score 13-12.

In the next series, a huge pass from Cortez to Chase Otteson for 59 yards had Ottison outracing the Lions for another T.D. The P.A.T. attempt failed making the score 19-12 as the first half ended.

In the first drive of the second half, the Dawgs found themselves with a fourth and four from the 31 yard line. Cortez ran to his right, breaking a tackle, and scooted through the Lions defense for a score. The point-after was good giving the Dawgs some breathing room at 26-12 with only 1:14 gone on the second half clock.

Later, Cortez hit Chase Otteson in the end zone for 19 yards and another score. The point after sailed low giving the Dawgs a 32-12 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the third period.

In the fourth quarter, Cortez called his own number shocking the Lions with a dash for 35 yards and another Bulldog score. The point after was blocked making the score 38-12 with 7:53 remaining in the game.

The Bulldogs defense put the icing on the cake when Kydd Blanthorne scooped up a loose ball from Johnson and took it 44 yards for the score. The Point after was good giving the Dawgs a big 45-12 win.

The Bulldogs dominated the game stats with Cortez passing for 132 yards on 6-12 attempts and 3 T.D.s plus rushing for 75 yards and two additional touchdowns. Chase Otteson had three receiving touchdowns for the game. The Dawgs finished with 231 rushing yards.

Perhaps the most amazing stat came from the Dawgs defense. The Bulldogs had 91 solo and assisted tackles for the game. Jordan had 18 with Cutler Crandall close with 17 tackles.

The Lions were led by Malachi Johnson with 142 yards on 26 carries. Losee completed only 1-3 attempts for 22 yards.
“We had a great game after a good week of practice,” said Bulldog coach Matt Woods. “We were motivated and focused after last week’s loss. The kids stepped up on both sides of the ball adjusting on defense to shut down a good running attack led by Johnson. Our linebackers were outstanding!”

The Bulldogs travel to Rancho High School on September 30 before returning on October 7 to host Valley High School.