Waldrons Wins Second “Battle of 71”

???? Sandy Tull & Jason Baggett | Article by Konnor McKay
It’s hard to forget the big game one year ago close to this date when Waldron’s football program took a huge turn for the better. For the first time in at least a decade Waldron defeated Mansfield for the second consecutive year. On the first two plays of offense for the bulldogs, two touchdowns were scored by Waldron’s Levi Hayden, and Trey Williams. Waldron quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead just three minutes into the game. However Mansfield wasn’t done. After a few adjustments, and penalties Mansfield out their firs score on the board last in the first quarter. Making the score 14-6. Levi Franklin however also added to the scoring in the first quarter with Levi Franklin’s late quarter touchdown with just 4:00 minutes left in the quarter making the score 21-6.
The second quarter was quiet, and a lot of defense was present from both sides of the ball. Several penalties hurt both the bulldogs, and the tigers. However one drive stands out for the bulldogs. With just 5:00 minutes left in the quarter Mansfield puts together a drive of small drive making it inside the Waldron 5 Yard line. However on a huge fourth down play Waldron’s Levi Franklin steps up big for the bulldog defense and makes a tackle about the one yard line and the tigers fail to convert.

The third quarter Waldron comes out ready to score. Getting the ball to begin the half, Trey Williams just began to really put on a show. After two huge first downs from Williams and 1 first down from Cole Huddleston Williams puts in another score for the bulldogs making the score 28-6. Let’s not forget the 5 extra points Williams also converted as Waldron’s PAT (point after touchdown) kicker. This game was his first game to ever attempt kicking field goals in a game.  Mansfield wasn’t done though. They answer quickly with a score from QB Matt Stovall with 7:26 left in the quarter Mansfield makes the score 28-14. Near the end of the quarter after another big drive coming from Williams, Mason Ford adds another touchdown making the score 35-14. Waldron’s Jarrod Starr comes up with a devastating hit late just before a pass is intercepted by Levi Franklin.
The fourth quarter is where things get a little interesting. Of course, when it’s a rival game, things normally do. Waldron’s sideline was hit with a plague of leg cramps. Several men who had played hard all evening long, began to run out of muscle juice. Mansfield managed to hold Waldron to no scoring in the fourth, and put up 2 touchdowns making the score 35-28. However it was too little, too late for the tigers. Waldron ultimately walks away with a victory over the tigers. Waldron starts the season 1-0. This coming week will be homecoming as Waldron hosts the Cedarville pirates at bulldog stadium Friday at 7 p.m.

We would like to wish the Waldron Bulldogs, Coaches, Cheer Squads, Band, and families, a safe and successful season. GO DOGS!