Bulldogs Defense Raids Raiders
Bulldogs Defense Raids Raiders
"Dogs beat down Portland Raiders, sweep season series 84-0"
PORTLAND,Ore-The Bulldogs' ferocious defense posted its third shutout of the season and
wide receiver Jesh Morgan hauled in three touchdowns as the Dogs increased their perfect record
to 6-0, after pillaging the Raiders 50-0 in Portland, Saturday, at Mike Walsh Field.
"We just had a good game plan coming in," said Bulldog linebacker Steve Faoro, who led the
Dogs' defense with eight tackles and had an interception in the game. "Our defense has a lot of
talent, and when you get a taste [of success] like we did last year, everybody is working hard to
get back there."
The Dogs' defense made plays all afternoon and it didn't take long for the unit to make their
presence known. On the first play from scrimmage, after receiving the opening kickoff, Raider
quarterback Jerred Saldano promptly threw an interception to Bulldog playmaking defensive
back Jay Zimmerman. Three plays later the Bulldogs were in the end zone for the first score of
the game after an 11-yard scamper by running back Brett Hall.
Despite hanging a 50 spot on the Raiders, the Bulldogs' offense faltered in the early moments
of the game, partly due to errant throws from Bulldog quarterback Mark Simmons. Simmons
was able to find his rhythm in the second half as time after time Simmons found his go-to-guy,
Morgan.
"We played flat. We weren't ready to play," Simmons said. "Our O-line played great. They gave
me all day to throw. I just didn't come to play. We still haven't played a full game. We play like
this against a good team like So. Oregon or Kitsap, we can be beat.
Many football analysts say a good quarterback is his best critic, and despite Simmons' dismal
assesment of his own efforts, he managed to pass for 247-yards and three touchdowns.
One minute into the second quarter Simmons threw his first touchdown of the game to Morgan
on a well drawn up bubble screen.
Morgan caught the ball on the home sideline, picked up a block and outran the Raider safety to
the corner of the end zone for a 30-yard score.
Just seconds later, after the ensuing kickoff, the Bulldogs' defense struck again.
Saldano threw a swing pass over the head of his running back. The pass was backwards and
Bulldog linebacker Sean Hicks, who recorded five tackles and two sacks in the game, picked the
bouncing ball off the turf and took it 25 yards to the house for the Bulldogs' second score in just
20 seconds.
With 4:46 remaining in the half, Simmons drove the Bulldogs 80 yards on six-for-nine passing
for a perfectly executed two minute drill. The second quarter scoring ended just as it began, on a
bubble screen to Morgan.
Morgan caught the ball on the line of scrimmage, cut inside, then back out, and coasted into the
Raider end zone from eight yards out to go up 28-0.
"They know we are deep threats, so they were playing us seven yards off," Morgan said. "We
had to keep them honest so we killed them on the short stuff."
After the break, it took just three plays for the Dogs to find the end zone once again. On a third
and one lighting quick back, Hall, took an inside run, intended to pick up short yardage, 44 yards
for a touchdown as he knifed through the heart of the Raider defense. The defense stacked the
box in attempt to shut down the run, but Hall found a crease, and looked like he was shot out of a
cannon as he exploded through a fragile silver and black defense.
While the Bulldogs thrived, the second half brought more misery to a lethargic Raider offense.
Early in the third quarter the Raiders had their best opportunity to break through, but once again,
the Dogs proved their grit and determination.
After a botched shotgun snap over the head of Simmons, the Raiders had first-and-goal on the
Bulldog 5-yard line.
Four plays straight the Raiders were turned away as the Bulldogs were steadfast on preserving
the shutout.
"We wanted to keep that zero on the board," Bulldog defensive back Art Sanchez said, who had
six tackles in the game. "We just have a great defense that moves to the ball really fast."
Simmons connected to Morgan one more time to complete the touchdown hat trick. The
Raiders blew their coverage and Morgan was wide open down the visitor sideline for a 30-yard
touchdown. Morgan was able to wait under the ball and waltz five yards into the end zone to
make the score 41-0.
The big lead allowed the Bulldogs to get some of their reserves in the game and the second
teamers made the most of their opportunity.
Backup running back Samual Barron provided the Dogs with hard running as he gained 43
yards on six carries, reserve defensive back Aric Nicholas made a beautiful open field tackle
for a safety on a sweep play, and starting wide out Eric Taylor got a handoff, lining up in the
backfield, and took it 11 yards for his first rushing touchdown of the year.
"We kind of had another slow start again," Bulldog head coach Phil Smith said. In games like
this I like to see us not play down to the other team’s level. I think we did in the first half and
we don't want that out of a championship team. Our second team guys did a great job and got
valuable experience you can't simulate in practice."
The Bulldogs’ next game is currently up in the air. Originally the Dogs were scheduled to face
the Seattle Xtreme, Saturday, July 24 at Civic Field, but the team dissolved earlier in the season.
Whoever the opponent, the Bulldogs will look to continue their pursuit of perfection and try to
increase their record to 7-0.