The ECI Bulldogs welcomed Bryan County to Twin City last Friday night, but the word “welcomed” in every sense of the word was not warm. The Bulldogs dominated in every aspect of the game. The final score of 69–13 wasn’t even as close as it might indicate. Included below are first half stats. The reason for which ECI lead 49–0 at the half and the fourth quarter consisted of a running clock. This beatdown by the Bulldogs allowed for only good things, which the team could take advantage of. The starters were able to “rest up” for the most part, and the back-ups were able to get valuable game reps, which, as coaches know, are an injury away from being starters. Whether or not ECI’s ranking jumps from No. 9 to something more significant is irrelevant. It’s almost time for playoff football, where records and rankings have no meaning other than if a team travels to play a game or not.
It only took the Bulldogs 48 seconds to get the party started. After QB Bryce Kearson connected on the first play from scrimmage for 41 yards, “The Mamba,” PJ Farnum, found pay dirt from 19 yards out. Samuel McBride nailed the PAT to put the Dawgs up 7–0.
ECI’s defense, led by Hudson Henry, was extremely stingy and played with a mean streak the entire night. Farnum again didn’t take long to get into the end zone again. The next scamper was from 71 yards out and after a successful PAT, ECI led 14–0.
On the ensuing Bryan County drive, KJ Carlyle had a big interception to get the offense back on the field.
The following Bulldog drive was a heavy dose of Farnum and “The Diesel,” DJ Jones, who would punch it in from the 1-yard line. After the PAT, ECI had a 21–0 lead.
Just like the previous Bryan County drive, reading the quarterback’s eyes paid off. This time, Henry had a very nice 26-yard return following his interception. Like nearly every drive by ECI in this game, there weren’t many long drives.
Kris Jackson punched his way through an overmatched Redskin defensive line, and the Bulldogs began to definitely pull away at this point with the score 28–0.
The ECI defense again forced a turnover on downs. Kearson again connected for 35 yards, and Cordavius Lee picked up a 26-yard run before Jones punched it in from 2 yards out with 10:05 to go in the second. The score now sat at 35–0 and getting better—or worse, depending on your view of Bryan County.
ECI forced a goal line stop after the Redskins got deep into ECI territory. The Bulldogs then put together a methodical drive as halftime approached, picking up chunk yardage from Kobi Allen, Farnum, and Lee.
However, on fourth-and-long, Kearson connected on a 40-yard bomb to Jackson for a TD, giving ECI a 42–0 lead after the PAT.
On the kickoff, Allen received a Redskin fumble for yet a shot at more points. Allen then tacked on the next Bulldog TD himself from 35 yards out with 59 seconds left in the half, making the score 49–0 ECI.
The following stats are through only two quarters of play: QB Kearson threw for 128 yards and a TD. Farnum finished with 143 yards and two TDs. Jones had 40 yards and 2 TDs despite only having a handful of carries. Allen added 50 yards and a TD. Lee put up 43 tough yards, and Jackson had 9 yards with 1 TD and a 40-yard TD reception.
This ECI team seems to get together and play disciplined football. With the playoffs approaching, the 8–1 Bulldogs face off against their toughest opponent on the schedule in Metter. The two teams square off this Friday in Metter. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.