Bulldogs defeat Marietta

Marietta drew first blood down in Love County last Friday night but the outcome was a different story for the Lexington Bulldogs.

The ‘Dawgs scored four out of the next five touchdowns to defeat the Indians, 26-16 for their first win of the season.

Trailing 8-0 Lexington’s Gage LaGace hauled in a 15-yard pass from Ean Caywood for a touchdown. The two point conversion was a LaGace reception off the arm of Cadyn Krueger to knot the score at 8-8.

Marietta scored a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter when Lexington scored 20 of its 26 points.

Ezra Faulkenberry scored on a five yard pass play from Krueger but the conversion failed and Lexington still trailed 16-14.

But it was all Lexington after that when Camron Weatherford scored on a 31 yard run backed putting Lexington on top 20-16.

Caywood’s seven yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter capped the victory.

Lexington out-gained Marietta 391-277 total yards and out-first downed the Indians, 15-13.

Krueger was the top passer and leading rusher for the Bulldogs.

He completed six of 12 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown and one two point conversion. He also rushed 13 times for 74 yards.

“For him to step in as a freshman and lead the team to four scores was really good,” head coach Keith Bolles said.

Ezra Faulkenberry was his favorite target grabbing six passes for 144 yards and one touchdown.

Faulkenberry got the job done on defense as well leading the team with eight tackles and recovering a fumble. Krueger, Caywood and Baron Steelman all finished the game with seven tackles while Dalton Brewer was in on six stops, a figure matched by Weatherford.

LaGace intercepted an errant Indian pass stopping a Marietta drive.

“We had some kids step up and play positions they had not been in,” Bolles said.

“Our coaches were coaching them up on the fly. I couldn’t be more proud of our coaches and kids.

“Ezra had a couple of great catches and Baron Steelman, our center, stepped up to help the younger kids. We found a way to get some scores in the second half.”

Freshman Cadyn Krueger came in for the injured Tate Collier at quarterback and played well.

Another freshman, Cameron Weatherford joined Ean Caywood in the backfield with Krueger and things worked out.

“We jumped into the I-formation and were able to run the ball. We blocked well and did the little things,” Bolles said.

“Reagan Smith had a good game on defense and Dahlton Cox, who is a defensive lineman, became an offensive lineman Friday night. He came in and put on an offensive lineman number and made the switch at halftime,” the coach said.

“I’m very pleased,” Bolles continued. “Overall, it was a great night for us.”

Up next is the Kingston Redskins. Kickoff Friday night is set for 7:30 p.m.

“They’ve got a really good quarterback,” Bolles said. “They do a lot of play action and are very well balanced.”

On defense, the Redskins operate out of a 4-3.

Bolles said the key to a Bulldog victory is, “to keep our young kids growing. We had a good practice on Monday.”

Bulldog notes:

Lexington Head Coach Keith Bolles nominated Ean Caywood as the Offensive Player of the Week.

Caywood rushed for a touchdown and passed for a touchdown.

Bolles nominated Dalton Brewer as the Defensive Player of the Week.

He had six tackles against the Indians.