Priceville advances to playoffs

By Staff
Zonya Ponder, Enquirer Correspondent
TRINITY – The Priceville Bulldogs (5-4, 4-3 in Region 7) streaked past the East Lawrence Eagles Friday night with a win that takes the Bulldogs to their first post season playoff game in Class 4A. Priceville dominated game play and rocked the score to 26-6 at their last away game for the regular season.
"We played hard and got after it tonight," Priceville's Jayson Hamilton said after the win. "The guys played hard tonight and we are excited about the upcoming playoffs."
The Bulldogs opened the game with a strong push on their first possession, driving down to the East Lawrence 21-yard line. Kristian Barker eventually pulled in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Logan Manthey and Lorand Dragu added the extra point to put Priceville up 7-0.
The Eagles ended the first quarter with a drive down to the Priceville 5 as time expired. One the first play of the second quarter, Hunter Rivers scored with a touchdown run, but the Bulldogs blocked the extra point and still led 7-6.
A Priceville fumble set up East Lawrence's drive down to the Priceville 21-yard line, but Priceville's Jeremy Hale came up with an interception to snuff out the threat.
Priceville drove the ball back down field in four plays with Logan Manthey completing a 30-yard pass to Scott Smith for the touchdown. Priceville's extra point was no good, keeping the score at 13-6.
Priceville kicked off to East Lawrence but the Eagles only got two plays under their belts before the Bulldogs' Jeremy Hale intercepted the ball and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown. Priceville's extra point attempt was again no good, leaving the score at 19-6 and ending play in the first half.
Neither team scored in a third quarter that was riddled with penalties, although the Eagles did mount a strong drive down to the Priceville 21 as time expired in the quarter.
East Lawrence did not keep possession of the ball for long going into the fourth quarter. After a short push by the Eagles offense they fumbled the ball and Priceville recovered. The Bulldogs took the next few minutes on the clock to maneuver the ball close to Eagle territory where Eli Allen broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run. Justin Anderson kicked the extra point to send the score to 26-6.
"We are going where we wanted to go with our program," Priceville coach Donald Weeks said. "Our offense did huge steps tonight with plays and the defense pinned them in the second half. It's a great win."
The Priceville Bulldogs return home this week, playing the Falkville Blue Devils at Bulldog Stadium with kick-off starting at 7 p.m. Friday.