The Marlin Bulldogs move on in the playoff as they downed last years state champions, the Newton Eagles by a score of 41-34 in the regional finals played at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville on Friday November 26.

This was a game to be remembers! Over 7,000 fans showed up for this offensive shoot out that kept most fans on their feet throughout the game.

Both teams combines for a total of 989 yards on offense. Marlin rushed for 361 yards and added 182 through the air while Newton gained 272 yards on the ground and 174 passing.

Now onto the game summary:

Marlin's first offensive series was set up by a good return of the kickoff by Derrick Berry to the Marlin 40 -yard line. But unable to move the ball on a 4th and one, Newton set up shop in Bulldog territory.

The Eagles moved to the dog six yard line before QB M. Isom had the ball stripped from his arms and the dogs recovered! The dogs couldn't muster a drive though and it was Newton who would score first.

Late in the first quarter, the Eagles put together a 72-yard drive tapped off by an 11-yard pass from Isom to M. Davis for the score. The point after was no good and the Eagles were up 6-0.

The dogs came right back as the second quarter began. Roderick Scruggs scored from 5 yards out and Brandon Lofton added the point after to make it 7-6 dogs!

Then it was the Eagles turn to score as they took the ensuing kickoff and moved down field with Isom scoring on a 29-yard run. The 2 point conversion was good to put Newton up 14-7.

Here come the dogs! "Who let them dogs out.." Setting up shop at their own 31 they ran they passed and then it was DeMarcus "Mo" Smith for a 28-yard run to pay dirt. Lofton point after was good and we were all knotted up at 14 a piece.

The dogs would take the lead just before half as Modkins hit Desmond Watson on a 12-yard scoring pass. Point after hit the upright and the score was 20-14 at the half.

The dogs would stretch their lead on their first possession of the second half. After holding Newton to four and out, the bulldogs took over on their own 41. Modkins swept left on an option and raced down the sidelines before being tripped up at the four. Scruggs would take inside the one and "Mo" would scored from there to make it 26-14. Lofton's point after was good and the dogs were up 27-14 with 8:15 to play in the third quarter.

The Eagles scored next after a Modkins pass was intercepted at the bulldog 12- yard line. John Foster ran 13 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to seven at 27-20 with 2:47 left in the third.

Another turnover by the dogs (fumble) led to the next Newton score. An eleven play drive culminated by Isom hitting Davis in the end zone on a 20-yard scoring pass. The try for two came up short as Danny Sadler made the tackle short of the end zone.

Marlin clung to a one point lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the game.

The bulldogs again extended their lead on their next possession going 71 yards with Scruggs scoring from six yards out. Marlin moved to a 33-26 with 6:30 to play.

Newton wasted no time in coming right back to score and showing why they were state champions last year. Jason Lewis ran 44 yards for a touchdown to make it 33-32. And then Davis took it in for the two point conversion and the Eagles were up 34-33 with only 2:39 remaining in the game.

The Eagles then kicked a low line drive kick that hit off the chest of a Marlin defender and Newton recovered at the dog 49 yard line. Things looked real bad for the dogs - Newton had the ball in Marlin territory, they had the lead and just over two minutes to play. The smell of victory for Newton was in the air.

BUT the dog DEFENSE wouldn't hear it. On a second and ten, Isom was sacked by "Big Cotton," Brandon Drews for a four yard loss. Facing a third and seven Isom kept the ball for a five yard gain before being tackled by Sadler. Facing a fourth and two, the Eagles would have to punt.

The dogs took over on their own 13 yard line - 87 yards from victory and a chance to play in the quarterfinals. Something they hadn't done in 34 years! Then THE PLAY OF THE GAME! Modkins hit Derrick Berry on a screen pass and Berry was off to the races! Dodging in and out and around would be tacklers all the way to the Newton six! The Newton six! Oh what a play!

Facing first and goal, Modkins pitched right to Smith who ran off right tackle for the score. The two point conversion extended the lead and the season for the dogs! 41-34 final and the dogs were headed to the quarterfinals!

Next game will be Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m. at Floyd Casey Stadium, Baylor University. The opponent - The Robinson Rockets. "What goes up must come down!"

 

See ya at the game!