The Bulldogs traveled to Velma Jackson to play their 3rd district game. They were coming off two losses to Collins and Morton. They need to win the last three games to go to the playoffs.
The game started lackadaisically with both teams showing sluggish efforts. The Bulldogs received the ball first after they won the toss. Eric Powell put the Bulldogs in good field position with a superb kick return. The Bulldog offense was looking to score more points after only scoring 19 points the last two games. After a holding penalty Javonne Walker got a big carry, putting the Bulldogs in position to score. Donte Ford capped off a good drive with a touchdown run from three yards out. After the extra point the score would be 7-0. On the kickoff, Velma Jackson took the ball back for a touchdown, but was called back after a block in the back penalty. The Bulldog’s defense looked to stop the Falcons on their first drive. The Falcons scored and tied the game up. The end of the first was 7-7.
As the second quarter started, Prentiss had the ball on the 20, about to score. After a couple good runs Deanyte Crockett scored a touchdown. The score was now 14 to 7. Velma Jackson was looking to score again before the half. The drive was cut short after Javonne Walker caught an interception. At half time the score was the same.
In the third Velma Jackson started with the ball. Prentiss Bulldog defense showed up and stop the Falcon’s drive. Prentiss continued to struggle on offense. They had 2 straight 3-and-outs, but the defense held strong.
In the fourth, Prentiss was still up 14-7. The Falcons were looking for a come-from-behind victory on their Homecoming. Prentiss started the quarter with the ball and tried to eat away the clock. Prentiss held the ball almost four minutes, but the drive felt short after a failed fourth down attempt. Velma Jackson got the ball looking to score. They slowly ran down the clock while steadily moving the ball down the field. The Falcons scored the game with a tying touchdown with less than a minute on the clock. Prentiss was stunned. They ran out the clock and got ready for overtime.
In OT, Velma Jackson got the ball first on the 10-yard line. Prentiss defense was strong, holding them to only a field goal. Prentiss only needed a touchdown to win the game. After three failed times to get in the end zone, Prentiss kicked the field goal to send the game into a second over time. Prentiss started with the ball this time. On third down, the Bulldogs pushed their way into the touchdown, putting them up even after the extra point. Velma Jackson was stopped three straight times by the Bulldog defense. On fourth down, as the pocket collapsed on the Velma Jackson quarterback, he found a wide-open receiver giving them the score. On the extra point try, the kick was blocked by Damonta Herron sealing the victory for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs are now 1-2 in the district. They will host St. Andrews this Friday for Homecoming. Come out and support the Bulldogs homecoming, pre-game begins at 6 p.m. with kickoff at 7 p.m.
Stats:
Donte Ford – 6 carries, 7 yds; 7 tack.
Javonne Walker – 8 carries, 59 yds; 1 tack, 2 pass def, INT.
Deanyte Crockett – 27 carries, 76 yds; threw 1/3 14 yds.
Justice Reese – 7 carries, 37 yds.
Anthony Walker – 9 tack, 2 pass def.
Eric Powell – 7 carries 20 yds.
Isaiah Gatlin – 1 catch, 14 yds; 9 tack, FUM.
Damien Perkins – 10 tack.
Damonta Herron – 5 tack, Field Goal Block.