Written By: JMF
The Lawrence County Bulldogs would travel to Rowan County to take on the Vikings. Coach Alan Short is entering his 8th season as the head man of the Bulldogs. While Kelly Ford is entering his 7th season as the head man of the Vikings. Lawrence County is coming off a 9-3 season in 2022, and Rowan County is coming off a 4-7 season. Both coaches and teams were looking to get the 2023 campaign started with a bang.
The 1st quarter would prove to be an absolute barn burner. The two teams would combine for 34 first quarter points. Lawrence County would strike first with a 12-yd touchdown run by Eli Fletcher. After the PAT, the Bulldogs were up 7-0. The Bulldogs would jump ahead 14-0 after Cody Crum would run for a 36-yd score and successful PAT. Rowan County wasn’t going to simply go away. Madden Owen would catch a 10-yd TD pass from Abram Norden, and after the PAT, the score was 14-7. The Bulldogs would score again after Luke Fetherolf connected with Dalton Runyons for a 49-yd TD. With the Vikings trailing 20-7, they would go on the attack and Jackson Hamilton would break through for a 79-yd TD run, and after the PAT, the score was 20-14.
The second quarter would see both defenses improve. However, Luke Fetherolf would find Logan Ratliff for a 33-yd TD pass to extend the lead for the Bulldogs to 26-14.
Then in the 3rd quarter, Eli Fletcher would rush for a 6-yd score to put the Bulldogs up 32-14, and Cody Crum would run in for a 3-yd two-point conversion to make the score 34-14. Neither team would score in the 4th quarter.
The Bulldogs were led on the ground by Cody Crum, who would carry the ball 17 times for 169 yards and 1 TD. William McDavid would carry the ball 16 times for 116 yards. Luke Fetherolf would complete 7 of 16 passes for 120 yards and 2 TDs. Dalton Runyons had 2 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Logan Ratliff had 4 receptions, 53 yards, and a TD.
The Vikings were lead on the ground by Jackson Hamilton, who had 11 carries, 104 yards and a touchdown. Abram Norden would complete 5 of 14 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Madden Owen had 5 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Lawrence County returns to action next Friday, Aug. 25th when they host the 0-1, Shelby Valley Wildcats for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
The Rowan County Vikings look to rebound next Friday, Aug. 25th, when they travel to face the 0-1, East Carter Raiders for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Photo Courtesy of Sheila Bowles
