Bulldogs Week 1

[Deleted]

A coaching error allowed East Peoria to come back and win with almost no time left on the clock.

From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows ... that was the Streator Bulldogs' final 81 seconds Friday in a 15-14 loss to East Peoria here at EastSide Centre.

A jaw-dropping, 38-yard scramble and completion from quarterback Caleb Spears to senior wideout Damion Nambo on 4th-and-23 with two minutes remaining and the Bulldogs trailing 7-6 kept the visitors alive, and junior running back Isaiah Jones' 12-yard touchdown scamper three plays and 39 seconds later gave the Bulldogs what seemed to be the game-winning touchdown with 1:21 to play.
 
Hold on, though. Your jaw's about to get dropped further.

Streator elected to kick away on the ensuing kickoff, and East Peoria's Carson Allen fielded the high boot at his own 12-yard line. The Raiders senior proceeded to race 72 yards almost untouched to the Streator 16 before being run down by Bulldogs kicker and featured running back Nick Harcar.

That's a no-no in this situation. In this situation you have your kicker kick it as hard as he can on the ground...like a hard soccer pass. Long runbacks are much more unlikely with a kick like this. Also, players who are not used to handling the ball often fumble it. It's a mystery to me how this brainfart occurred with such an experienced coaching staff...it happens, though. Too bad EP was able to capitalize on it.

[evaryman]

Last nights game was a heart stopper!! Honestly, with the game being so late, due to lightening delays, I was amazed by the efforts of both teams. I was proud of the work done by the bulldogs.
We had early games going this morning followed by more games this afternoon, with SYFL. The weather was outstanding for todays games, but now this granny is football fan-ned out & heading to bed.
Thanks for this thread, BB.

[toshiko]

It sure was exciting.

[evaryman]

The Captain of a ship gives the orders and makes the decisions. He sees his crew to safety, and should the ship go down it is the Captain (leader) who stays with the ship. My nephew, as a young officer in Iraq, gave of his personal stores to provide for the comfort and well being of the young men in his command. He, the same as his old auntie, believes the one in command must take responsibility for the problems as well as the success's of those we lead. A leader bears the weight, and shields the younger men in his command.
My heart was saddened by the interview concerning last weeks game.
m.mywebtimes.com/sports/football-notes-melody-discusses-decision-to-kick-off/article_67ce3937-3f33-5918-b5f3-3079ec97624a.html?mode=jqm

[Deleted]

Sept 3, 2014 9:20:31 GMT -6 evaryman said:

The Captain of a ship gives the orders and makes the decisions. He sees his crew to safety, and should the ship go down it is the Captain (leader) who stays with the ship. My nephew, as a young officer in Iraq, gave of his personal stores to provide for the comfort and well being of the young men in his command. He, the same as his old auntie, believes the one in command must take responsibility for the problems as well as the success's of those we lead. A leader bears the weight, and shields the younger men in his command.
My heart was saddened by the interview concerning last weeks game.
m.mywebtimes.com/sports/football-notes-melody-discusses-decision-to-kick-off/article_67ce3937-3f33-5918-b5f3-3079ec97624a.html?mode=jqm

The kicker he was counting on was one tired kid at the end of the night...he did NOT have a fresh leg when Melody indicated they were counting on him at the end of the night. It was a coaching error, but that's okay...Melody has made many good calls in the past and will make plenty of good ones in the future.

Canton (Student pop. 750) is coming in on Friday after a 34-9 win over the IVC Grey Ghosts (Student pop. 760). They have a new coach and a big opening win.

Canton's final TD was set up by another Ketcham fumble recovery at the Canton 44-yard line. Schrodt had another completion to Lucas, this one good for 13 yards. Additionally, Stephen Bitner gained positive yards on three attempts before Reed scored the TD on a 9-yard run. A bad snap on the PAT attempt left Canton ahead 34-9.

IVC had one more drive, but it ended on a R. J. Shortness fumble recovery.

"I thought our kids responded well after IVC's first offensive possession," said Pearson. "The biggest thing that impressed me is that our kids worked through some adversity. I was proud how they responded and didn't get down on themselves."

The Little Giants rushed for 213 yards on 42 attempts. Reed gained 130 yards on 22 attempts while Bitner added 54 yards on seven attempts. Jace Chamberlin had 20 yards on five carries.

Schrodt was 6 of 13 through the air for 135 yards. Lucas had four receptions for 122 yards. Brennan Bergstralh, Shortness, and Reed had one catch apiece.

The Little Giants go on the road this Friday with a game at Streator.

[toshiko]

Go Bulldogs!