By Dusty Donley
The Bob Olwin era got off to a stormy start last Saturday night in East Clinton, Ohio, but once the skies cleared, it was business as usual for the football Bulldogs. Sparked by a four touchdown performance from first year senior quarterback Matt Wilcox, the Bulldogs racked up 357 yards of total offense in route to a 35-19 victory over the Division IV Astros.
Lightning filled skies delayed kickoff for just over two hours, but that did nothing to slow the Bulldogs as they struck first on a 9 yard Wilcox touchdown pass to senior Austin Dumbaugh after less than six minutes of play. The extra point was blocked, leaving the score 6-0.
Less than four minutes later, Wilcox again found pay dirt as he tossed a 13 yard touchdown to junior Luke Long-Green. The Bulldogs attempted a two point conversion, but failed, leaving the score 12-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Astros added a late second quarter score, but the failed extra point left the Bulldogs ahead 12-6 at the half.
Half time adjustments can make or break a team and luckily for the Bulldogs, those adjustments led to 23 points and just over 100 yards rushing in the third period.
The Bulldogs started their scoring barrage with a safety at just 2:06 into the third quarter. Less than a minute later, Wilcox saw an opening, tucked the ball and rumbled 59 yards to the end zone. The Bulldogs attempted another two point conversion, but once again couldn't convert, notching a 20-6 lead.
Wilcox struck for the final time on an 8 yard touchdown run with just over three minutes left in the quarter. His two point conversion pass to sophomore Blake Ansley gave the Bulldogs a 28-6 lead.
The Bulldogs scored for the final time just 31 seconds later as freshman Mason Klingler logged his first career touchdown, scampering 9 yards to glory. Austin Dumbaugh's extra point gave the Bulldogs a comfortable 35-6 lead.
The Astros added two fourth quarter scores to bring the final tally to 35-19 in favor of the visiting Bulldogs.
Wilcox finished the game 10 of 25 for 103 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also rumbled for 97 yards on 11 carries and 2 scores.
Luke Long-Green led the way for the Bulldogs with 139 yards on 10 carries.
