‘Dogs defeat Devils in jamboree
Priceville's Chance Ellsworth attempts to pass while Falkville's Garret Widner pressures him. | Clif Knight
Priceville’s Bulldogs overcame a first quarter deficit by scoring four back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter and went on to defeat Falkville’s Blue Devils 17-14 in a pre-season game at Bulldog Stadium Thursday night.
The Blue Devils scored the first time they got their hands on the ball, converting a Priceville fumble into a 38-yard scoring drive. A nine-yard pass from QB Tyler Anders to Johnny Tompkins capped the drive with 7:13 left in the first quarter. Mark Carver’s extra point kick was no good leaving the score at 6-0.
The Bulldogs countered by scoring their first touchdown with 8:25 left in the second quarter and taking a 7-6 lead on the strength of Nick’s Bell’s kick for the extra point. The touchdown came on an 18-yard pass from QB Chance Ellsworth to Harold Blades.
The Bulldogs added to their lead with 5:51 left in the first half when Ellsworth found an opening at right end and raced 19 yards to pay dirt. Bell’s extra point kick was blocked, leaving the score at 13-6.
A Falkville fumble on the ensuing kickoff set up another bulldog score. Forrest Clemmons capped a two-play possession by slipping out of a tackle and breaking a 30-yard TD run with 5:10 left in the first half. Bell’
S extra pointy kick made the score 20-6
The Blue Devils answered with their second touchdown, marching 69 yards in seven plays. A 37-yard pass from Anders to Hunter Woodall capped the drive with 59 seconds left in first half. Anders added a two-point conversion on a running play to make the score 20-14.
The Bulldogs added the final score with 19 second left in the first half on a 52-yard pass from Ellsworth to Blades.
Neither team was able to mount a scoring drive in the second half as the scoreboard clock was allowed to run continuously except for official timeouts. Reserves played the entire final quarter.
The Bulldogs gained 70 yard rushing and 75 yard passing while Falkville had minus three yards rushing and 86 yards passing.
“I thought our kids played with a lot of hustle and heart,” said Priceville first year head coach Dirk Strunk. But we made far too many mental mistakes. Thankfully, that’s something that can be corrected. We’ll need to correct them and be able to play at the top of our game when we go to West Morgan next week.
“Harold Blades and Forrest Clemons stepped up big for us tonight,” he added. “It’s a good feeling to come away with a win the first time out.”
