By Staff
Joe Holmes, Enquirer Correspondent
GRANT — Priceville ran its 2006 record to 4-2 Friday night with a 34-8 thrashing of DAR on the road. Priceville ruined the grand opening of DAR’s new stadium and the first-ever home football game for the Patriots.
DAR surprised the Bulldogs with a strong opening drive, taking the ball from its own 35 into the Bulldogs’ red zone. The defense stiffened, forcing a 31-yard field goal attempt. Wes Long, Will Halbrooks and Jeremy Hale broke through the line to block the kick and Lonnie Sutton scooped it up and trekked 85 yards for the Priceville score and a 6-0 lead with 7:53 left in the first quarter.
After holding DAR to four-and-out, Priceville drove deep into Patriot territory only to be denied the end zone on four straight plays from inside the 10. DAR took over on downs, but could go nowhere and punted the ball back to the Bulldogs at the DAR 40.
After one complete side of stadium lights went out, referees resumed play following a 30-minute delay. The teams swapped fumbles, with Priceville winding up with the final recovery on the DAR 14. Eli Allen took the ball in from the 4 two plays later and put the visitors up 12-0 with 11:10 left in the first half.
Another DAR fumble put Priceville back in business at the Patriot 30. On fourth-and-one, head coach Donald Weeks called the quarterback sneak looking for a fresh set of downs. Instead, Will Stevens found an opening in the line and sprinted 24 yards for the third Bulldog score. The two-point conversion ran the lead to 20-0.
Allen picked up his second touchdown of the evening on the next Bulldog possession, rambling 8 yards with 2:19 left in the second quarter. Lance Hughes booted the extra point to make the score 27-0.
Trevor Maxwell put the final points of the evening on the board for Priceville with a 44-yard run up middle with just 16 seconds left in the half. Hughes was again true on the PAT to put the visitors up 34-0.
Weeks turned to his youngsters in the second half, gaining valuable playing time and game experience. Hale took over quarterback duties for the remainder of the evening and Jacob Stone and Kody Etheridge turned in key runs.
DAR picked up its lone score of the evening on a 2-yard plunge by Brandon Nelson. Nelson connected with William Drury for the two-point conversion, leaving the final score 34-8.
Priceville amassed 313 yards on the ground for the evening. Maxwell led all rushers with 127 yards. Etheridge picked up 37 on seven carries. Will Halbrooks had 15 tackles and one fumble recovery.
The Bulldogs now turn their attention to Madison County. It’s Homecoming for Priceville with a week full of activities culminating with the crowning of the 2006 queen at halftime for Friday night’s game. Seniors Christina Battle, Christen Holmes, Whitley Scruggs, Caitlin Williams and Ashley Young are vying for the crown.