Marlin ISD

Groesbeck didn't disappoint their Homecoming crowd, although for a while there was doubt, as they came from nineteen points down in the fourth quarter scoring 32 unanswered points on their way to a 39-26 victory over the Bulldogs.

The Marlin Bulldogs dominated play in the first half building a 20-7 halftime lead. Their first score came with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter when Reggie Smith took it in from the 2-yard line. The point after was no good and the score was 6-0 Bulldogs.

Bulldog defensive player, Steve Thomas then picked off a pass in Goat territory and the offense was back on the field and poised to score again. QB Jeremy Modkins hit Desmond Watson for a TD with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter as the Bulldogs went up 14-0.

Once more the 'dawg defense would rise to the top as Jante Cheeves picked off a pass and returned it to the Goat 40 yard line. From there the aerial team of Modkins and Watson hooked up once again on a 25 yard strike to make it 20-0 Bulldogs.

Groesbeck finally got on the board on a 25 yard pass to Steven Shurley to make it 20-6. The extra point was good and both teams headed to their lockers for halftime with the score Bulldogs 20 Goats 7.

The Bulldogs began the second half taking the kick off and marching down the field at ease with DeMarcus Smith going in from 3 yards out to make it 26-7. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs they would not score again.

Turnovers and turnovers began to hurt the Bulldogs. A high snap on a fourth down play was recovered by the Goats and they went on to score to make it 26-14. They would inch closer with just over seven minutes remaining to make it 26-21.

Another turnover, this one a blocked Bulldog punt gave the Goats the ball at the Bulldog seven. From there QB Pringle hit R. Greer in the end zone to give Groesbeck their first lead at 27-26.

And yet another turnover, a Bulldog fumble, and the Goats were knocking at the door from the Bulldog 15 yard line. Shuman Rogers scored from the one to make it 33-26.

The Marlin team would mount one last effort to gain back what had been taken from them. They marched to the Groesbeck 31 yard line where with eleven seconds remaining they faced a second and three situation. And then, the unthinkable - another turnover - a fumble that was picked up by the Goats and returned for a touchdown. Final score Groesbeck 39 Marlin 26.

Six fumbles with four recovered by the Goats, a bad snap on fourth down and a blocked punt sealed the fate of the Bulldogs.

Marlin must put this game behind them though as the Robinson Rockets come calling October 9 as district play gets underway. With the loss Marlin drops to 3-2 on the year.

Marlin ISD
Created August 26, 1997 -- last revision October 7, 1998
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