’Dogs go hunting Bucs

BEACON PHOTO/ROGER GILMORE
Scoreboard tells the story — As DeLand Bulldog football fans gather near the scoreboard at Tom Storey Field at Lake Brantley High School last week, the story is told in lights. The DHS coaches are talking to their Bulldogs, blocked out by their fans, following the 27-0 triumph for victory No. 9 in as many starts, and their sixth shutout.

After blanking Patriots, 27-0

By Roger Gilmore
BEACON SPORTS EDITOR

posted Nov 6, 2009 - 10:53:04am

The big one is on tap Friday evening in Municipal Stadium, when the Daytona Beach Mainland Bucs (6-2) host the undefeated DeLand Bulldogs (9-0) for the District 2-6A championship.

Both teams are 3-0 in the district, so the victor gets the home-field advantage for the regional quarterfinals, while the loser will be on the road. The kickoff time is listed for 7 p.m.; however, there’s a rumor it will be pushed back to 7:30 p.m. so it can be televised. Nothing official on this at this writing, but maybe we can get it on The West Volusia Beacon Web site one way or the other.

Speaking of the Web site, hope everyone saw the rundown on the 27-0 victory by the DeLand ’Dogs last week over the Patriots at Lake Brantley. It marked the ’Dogs sixth shutout in nine games. The Bucs still have a city clash with the Seabreeze SandCrabs next week, with the playoffs beginning Nov. 20.

Recapping the victory over Lake Brantley briefly, it was Pop Saunders exploding for a 95-yard touchdown run to highlight the game; however, he tacked on three more 6-pointers with a 15-yarder and a pair of 5-yarders. Hunter Haire tacked on 3 extra points.

The line play on both sides of the ball played key roles in the victory. The offensive line continued to open holes for their backs, while the defensive line played tough, stopping the Pats at the 1-yard line, which led to the 95-yarder by Saunders.

Overall, the DHS defense was headed by Eldrick Bright, who was all over the field, while Mark Joyce turned in some jarring plays, along with help by just about everyone on that side of the ball.

Both Saunders and Shontrelle Johnson shook loose for more than 160 yards apiece, which helped account for 315 points scored by the ’Dogs against 68 allowed in nine games. Similar figures for the Bucs in eight games are 239 and 109, respectively.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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