Panthers "Air It Out" Over Bulldogs

Going into the game the dogs knew they would have to contain Panther quarterback, Matt Czimskey and except for one aerial touchdown pass early in the game, the defense pretty much did their job.

Midway scored on their first possession with Czimskey hitting Seth Fortenberry on a 61-yard scoring toss and run. Chris Rusek added the point after to make it 7-0.

The Marlin defense, led by Nate Humphrey and Erik Vanegas played superb throughout the game as the score indicated with the Panthers holding a slim 7-0 at the half.

But the dog offense just couldn't capitalize. They had the ball three times in Panther territory in the second quarter but couldn't cash it in.

Finally, in the third quarter the dog offense began to move the ball and QB Thaddeus Freeman broke loose from 32 yards out to score the lone touchdown for the bulldogs. The point after was no good but the dogs drew ever so close down only one point at 6-7 going to the final period.

A miscue early in the fourth quarter cost the dogs. Punter Alvin Hall awaited the hike but the ball sailed over his head and when he finally got to the ball and was able to punt it away, Midway set up shop in bulldog territory. Four plays later, Czimskey scored on a quarterback keeper from the one, Rusek added the point after to make it 14-6 Panthers.

The Panthers added another score with 9:48 to play as running back, Marcus Bunch took it in from 22 yards out. Rusek's kick was good and that was all she wrote. Panthers 21 and Bulldogs 6.

Looking at the stats for the game:

Leading rushers for Marlin - Thaddeus Freeman 15/59 yards and 1 touchdown and D'Nerian Wrighter 9/56 yards.

Passing - Freeman 2/10 for 40 yards

It takes two defenders to bring down D'Nerian Wrighter but not until he picks up a first down!