Bulldogs

A stifling defense and two 2^nd Quarter TD runs by Jake Grauberger were the keys to success as the 2^nd/3^rd Grade Bulldogs opened the 2009 campaign with a victory August 29^th at the brand new Legacy Park Footfall fields.  In the unseasonably cool August Saturday morning, the Bulldogs put together a solid effort to secure the first of what is hopefully many wins in 2009.  The Bulldogs (1-0)beat a tough minded Mules (0-1) team with the final score 14-0.

Head Coach Rob Hopson comments following the opening season victory “I was particularly proud of our defense today.  The D-Line got into their backfield and caused quite a bit of trouble for the Mules.  Our offense was good enough, but we can get much better.”

Having lost one player (Max Sanson) due to injury (broken arm) earlier in the week for 6-8 weeks was a tough blow for the Bulldogs.  The team rallied and performed well in the opener.  The leaders on the defense were the defensive linemen.  Tyler Kreissler, Drew Epperson, Justin Hopson, Jack Hanon, Logan Steinert and Connor Blegen, all contributed on the defensive line.  The linebackers, Blake Beaver & Bradley Myers, and Safety, Joseph Reese, were able to move freely and be prepared to stop the powerful Mule offense when the opportunities were there.  On one of the few plays that got out of the backfield for the Mules, Braden Salzar (Left Cornerback) was there to drive the runner back to his teammates for a short gain.

On offense – the starting “RED” offense didn’t fair as well as Coach Broc Beaver would have liked, “better blocking is needed”, said coach Beaver.  The holes were there for tailback Tyler Williams, but the back side pursuit limited Tyler’s gains.  “Tyler was ONE step away from breaking several runs, but never got a big gainer”, said Coach Hopson.  The “BLACK” offense was the key to scoring for the Bulldogs.  Jake Grauberger scored on back to back possessions on the same play off left end in the 2^nd quarter.  In both runs, Jake made one move then was off to the races.  Both PAT’s were converted, the first on a two yard run by Tyler Kreissler who ran in almost untouched, thanks to a key block by Caden Copsey, and the 2^nd on the only pass of the day from Brent Perry (QB) to Justin Hopson (TE).  In the fourth quarter, several different bulldogs, got an opportunity to run the ball, including Clayton Medlin, Trevor Kardell; but the most exciting run of the day for the Bulldogs was a 12 yard carry by Drew Epperson who carried three Mule defenders for several yards before finally going down.

The Bulldogs get the next weekend to prepare for the Pirates (0-1) on Sept 12.  “This season is a marathon, not a sprint”, said Coach Hopson, “and each practice/game we have to get better”.  Which is what the Bulldogs need to do if they want to return to the championship game in 2009, but so far, so good.