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Bulldogs open season with a 14-6 loss at Sunbright

The Red Boiling Springs Bulldogs opened their 2019 season last Friday night as they made a very long trip to Sunbright High School in east Tennessee.

The Sunbright Tigers scored 14 first half points, mostly on Bulldogs mistakes, including the recovery of four Bulldog fumbles and an interception. Those 14 points were enough to claim a 14-6 win over the scrappy Bulldog team that was playing very good on defense.
The Tigers scored on their second possession after intercepting a Bulldog pass on the Tigers 49 yard line. The Tigers went 51 yards on seven plays to grab a 7-0 lead with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. The Tigers stopped the Bulldogs on their next possession but the Tigers running back was hit hard by Bulldog Dalton Thompson and Bulldog Devin Justice recovered the fumble in the end zone to prevent a Tiger touchdown. The Bulldogs started their next drive on their own 20 yard line but had to punt. The Tigers started on the Bulldog 46 yard line but once again a big hit by Daniel Ruiz caused another Tiger fumble that was recovered by non-other than Daniel Ruiz. Nine turnovers in the first half combined by both teams but the Tigers led 14-0. Then rain and lightning started.
Midway through the third quarter the game was stopped because of lightning and thus over a hour of delay sent fans scrambling for a dry spot. Most Bulldog fans got soaking wet. When play resumed the Bulldogs came alive rushing the ball first by Dylan Templeton and Walker Reynolds. Dalton Thompson caught two passes for 25 yards but another interception stopped a 54 yard drive at the Tiger 26 yard line. At this point in the 3rd quarter with 4 minutes left, both team combined for 13 turnovers. Sloppy offense by both teams was taking over but the Bulldogs still had not found the end zone
The Bulldogs caught fire in the 4th quarter and with 4 minutes left in the game and the Bulldogs having possession on their own 46 yard line Dylan Temptleton took a pitchout from Quarterback Walker Reynolds and he circled around right end. Three good blocks from Devan Justice, Zach Swank and Austin Hudgins had Templeton racing 54 yards for a Bulldog touchdown. The crowd on the home side got really quiet.
The Bulldogs were successful in recovering an onside kick but the Tigers intercepted a Bulldog pass and from there they ran out the final two minutes of the game and a 14-6 score favored the Tigers.
Stats from Sunbright were: On defense Dalton Thompson 9 tackles plus 2 assists, Devin Justice 10 tackles plus 3 assists, Walker Reynolds 10 tackles plus 1 assist, Biship Moore 8 tackles plus 1 assist, Bradley Atkins 7 tackles, and Daniel Ruiz 6 tackles. Offensive stats for Bulldogs – rushing  Dylan Templeton 12 attempts for 103 yards, Walker Reynolds 6 attempts for 38 yards Dalton Thompson 2 carries for 25 yards. The Bulldogs gave a great defensive effort but the offense must get on track.
The Dog Pound will be dark this Friday but the Bulldogs will welcome the powerful Monterey Wildcats to the Dog Pound on Sept 6th.
(Photos by Tina Atkins)