Priceville Bulldogs remain undefeated at 6-0

Special to the Enquirer

The hype of an epic battle at Bulldog stadium was not overstated.  The Oneonta Redskins brought a great game plan to contain the top ranked Bulldog offense, and for much of the game they did.

The Redskins put the first points on the board quickly in the first quarter and led 7-0 on a 20-yard run from Oneonta’s quarterback Ko Powell.  The counter punch came a few minutes later when the Bulldogs running back, Aaron Cartee scored, making it 8-7, after a QB keeper around the end by Kaleb Barker for the 2-pt. conversion.  The Redskins would counter right back just a few plays and four minutes later on a short run by Jordan Brothwell, making the score 8-14.  What has become typical fashion for the Bulldogs, they would score again, but in 24 seconds.  Priceville quarterback Kaleb Barker would throw a strike of 51 yards to Kyle Haynes for the score.  The Bulldogs would convert the 2-pt. conversion attempt with a pass from Kaleb Barker to Austin Smith.  The frantic first quarter would end 16-14 in favor of the Bulldogs.

Oneonta largely controlled the second quarter.  The Redskin defense would pressure the pocket and force Priceville out of its attack.  That turned into an interception of Barker’s pass by Jaden Kent, which he returned for a score putting the visiting Oneonta team up 21-16. They would hold the Bulldogs and post another score before half on a 1- yard run by Jordan Brothwell, making it a two possession Oneonta halftime lead of 28-16.

Priceville would emerge from the locker room with a collective will to win.  Down two scores as the third quarter began, there was a defined momentum shift as the Bulldogs defense imposed its will to win on the Redskin offense.  A “band of brothers” attack that saw 3rd down stops that caused punts and fourth down stops, giving the ball back to Priceville.  Key plays were made by many Bulldog defenders; Hunter Huckaby (led with 12 tackles, 1 INT), Ramsey Rey, Tyler Green, Weston Bodley and Kaleb Barker, all making tackles for losses.

The stunned Redskins did not score or even reach the red zone in the second half.  The Bulldog offense answered the call and balanced their running and passing attack with Aaron Cartee dominating the inside run game.  Cartee put up over 140 yards in the second half, only part of his 211 yards of the night, scoring three times.

To compliment the rushing game, key receptions were made, one first down grab was by Trea Cole, who was injured in week one. Parker Gwin, would also grab a pass and make an inspiring run after his catch, twisting his way for a big gain.  Heath Mann, who scored by busting tackles and spinning for the score to take the lead 30-28 at the midpoint of the 4th quarter.  These great efforts fueled both the offensive and defensive momentum.  After another great stop by the defense, Priceville would move the ball down the field and cap the night with the final score by Aaron Cartee from three yards out, making the score 36-28.  One last time the Redskins would have the ball and be stopped by the Bulldog defense.

This game had so many twists and turns; interceptions, fumbles, dropped passes, tackles for loss, great long runs, great long passes, fourth down stops, and all for a $6 ticket.  “Our kids grew up last night, Priceville coach Dirk Strunk said, “They made plays, I am very proud of them.”  Strunk and other coaches talked of the team and how the leadership carried them through.

Stats for the night: Priceville Quarterback, Kaleb Barker, 16/35 passing for 219 yards 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and carried 22 times for 104 yards. Aaron Cartee carried 24 times for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Heath Mann led receivers with 5 catches for 70 yards and 1 touchdown, Kyle Haynes had 2 catches for 60 yards and 1 touchdown, Parker Gwin had 4 catches for 43 yards, Trea Cole and Greg Blaylock had 1 catch each for 20 yards.

Priceville continues region play at Good Hope this coming Friday night at 7 pm.  The Bulldogs continue to set records for their program with a 6-0 record.  As the season progresses they will set new point totals and individual stats for many.  They will look to win out and maintain home field advantage