The Greenwood Bulldogs opened their season with a loss to the Stillwater Pioneers, 41-27
On paper it seemed the Bulldogs matched up well with the Pioneers. The two programs mirrored each other well, Two-year starter at QB….Check. Freshman QB with a Power 5 offer….Check. Talented group of receivers…..Check, Check, and Check. A hard nosed Defense that will get after the offense….Check. Greenwood had not lost to a Oklahoma team since 2004 and Stillwater’s only game against an Arkansas team was a loss to Springdale Har-Ber in 2010. When it came to game time the differences started to show.
Just as in the 2021 State Championship game, turnovers would play a major roll in the game for Greenwood. Two first half interceptions and 4th down stop on the goal line spoiled the ‘Dogs chances from three potential scoring drives. Defensively the Pioneers Offensive Line made work of Greenwood’s defensive front. “They’ve got two Division-I lineman up there just mauling us all night long.” Head Coach Chris Young told the Greenwood Live Stream Crew.
For all that could be said about last night, what we did get to see was an incredibly talented well-coached Oklahoma team that plays in the second largest classification. It is an appetizer for the gauntlet of teams Greenwood will face navigating through the schedule.
The first quarter saw Greenwood march inside the Stillwater 30 yard line twice. First drive ended with an interception and Stillwater would respond scoring on a 35 yard run from Noah Roberts. Second drive Greenwood would make it down the Stillwater 1 yard line, Senior QB Hunter Houston would call his own number and was stopped short of the goal line on 4th down giving the ball back to the Pioneers. The defense would step up on the next drive holding the Pioneers to a punt. The third Greenwood drive would see the second interception of the quarter at the Greenwood 19. Stillwater would capitalize on the miscue and find the end zone going up 14-0.
Start of the second quarter, Greenwood would put together a drive of 74 yards capped off by 15 yard catch by Sophomore Grant Karnes for the score. 14-7. The Pioneers and Bulldogs would trade scores on ensuing drives. Stillwater’s Gage Gundy would run in for the score putting the Pioneers up 21-7. Hunter Houston would find the quick Junior receiver L.J. Robins for the Touchdown bringing the score within 7. The Pioneers would fire back with a Touchdown of their own, when Gage Gundy would run it in. With the score 28-14 at the half, Stillwater on top.
Both teams would stall on their opening drives of the second half, Stillwater would break the ice with an eight yard run from Cameron Johnson. As they had done in the first half, Houston would find L.J. Robins again this time for 9 yards out, cutting the lead to 35-21. Stillwater just like Greenwood was not done as they would both find the end zone one more time a piece. Gundy would throw a 38 yard pass to Heston Thompson, putting Stillwater up 41-21. Karnes would get another touchdown on a 35 yard pass from Houston.
“We got our butts whipped. There were so many mistakes and so many of our guys haven’t had Friday night experience, and we didn’t respond very well. Offensively we moved the ball down the field then turned it over.” Head Coach Chris Young said. “But we’re going to get better, and coach better, and play better.” Once again emphasizing their motto for the year “Tabula Rasa” or “Clean Slate.”
Greenwood is at home next week against Fort Smith Northside, before starting Conference play against Mountain Home.
