Bulldogs lose on road at Florence
Kobi Mears runs after catching a pass in a previous game. | Brent Maze
Facing a quality opponent on the road proved to be more than what Priceville’s Bulldogs could handle as they fell to Central-Florence 42-14 Friday night.
The shock of a loss in their first region matchup started in a hurry. The home-standing Wildcats Jumped on the Bulldogs by scoring on an 80-yard run on their first offensive play of the game. They added a second score on a 5-yard run, capping a 99-yard drive in 12 plays, and held a 12-0 advantage at halftme.
“We moved the ball well and had it in the red zone twice in the first half when we were very much in the game,” said Priceville head coach Dirk Strunk. “Had we not shot ourselves in the foot with turnovers both times, we could’ve easily had the halftime lead.”
The Bulldogs also had the ball in the red zone twice in the second half but were unable to cash in their drives.
They also out-gained their opponent, completing 12 of 14 passes for 191 yards and running the ball 25 times for 151 yards.
Central added two touchdowns in the third period before Priceville was able to get on the scoreboard and closed out the game with a pair of fourth quarter scores.
The Bulldogs stung the Wildcats with an offensive attack that generated over 340 yards but hurt themselves by turning the ball over four times.
Priceville got its touchdowns on passes of 36 and 11 yards from Chance Ellsworth to Harold Blades. Nick Bell converted both extra points.
The Bulldogs will host Wilson, another region opponent, on Friday at 7 p.m.
Wilson will be a challenge for us,” Strunk said. “They’re an option team with good athletes and good coaching. Hopefully, we’ll be able to better care of the football like we did in our first game.”
