Although the Waldron Sr Bulldogs took a loss last Friday against the Pottsville Apaches, it most definitely wasn’t from a lack of trying. Most thoughts at the conclusion of the match were, What.A.Game! This battle was filled with intense back and forth action like no other. Each team spent quarter after quarter playing tag and tying up the game on more than one occasion. With 18 seconds left in the contest, the scoreboard was tied up at 42-42 with Pottsville having possession of the ball at their 4-yard line. The Apaches would score with 14 seconds left on the clock ending the game with a final score of 50-42 Pottsville.
Offensively, the Bulldogs pulled in a total of 339 yards. Trenton Hunt was first to put points up as he punched the ball in from 1-yard out placing the score at 12-6 Pottsville. QB, Braden Williams, was next as he connected a pass to Isaac “The Real” Villarreal for a Bulldog TD upgrading the score to 20-12 Apaches. Gabino Grano was then able to tie up the score 20-20 with a run from the 25-yard line. Pottsville scored right back but then Gabino was back in action from 2-yards out delivering another TD. After a successful PAT from Leo “Left Foot” Lopez, Waldron had its first lead 27-26.
Continuing to push forward, Braden Williams then connected with Caden Fuller for an 8-yard score along with Williams connecting with Bryson Bailey for the 2-point conversion and the tally would sit 35-34 Waldron. Pottsville answered back but Gabino Grano was on fire with another run for a TD. Lopez made the PAT and the game was tied for a second time at 42-42 with 1:53 left on the clock. As hard as the Bulldogs tried to get the lead, their fate was sealed with another Pottsville TD ending the game. Waldron would walk away with a total of 411 defensive yards.
“The game was hard fought by both sides,” expressed head coach, Doug Powell. “But we did not get the small details taken care of defensively. As a result, Pottsville gained additional amounts of yardage each play. Their offense and scheme require precision to stop them. We had opportunities on several drives but one of their backs would gain 6-8 yards and give them a manageable conversion to continue their drive. As of late, our defense just hasn’t been consistent.”
“Hopefully this Friday both sides of the ball will gain trust in each other as well as trust in the system. We need it to be successful not only against Dover but also in every game going forward. Although we have put ourselves in a bad position conference wise, we can still finish strong and earn a conference seeding for the playoffs. If we can take care of the small things that go unnoticed, we will get over the hump and find victory!” The Waldron Bulldogs currently sit 3-3 overall and 0-3 in conference play. On October 23, the Bulldogs will host the 0-5 Dover Pirates.
