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downfield before Culver completed the drive with a 16-yard rushing touchdown. Kicker Jandel Ramirez added the point after, making it 21-14. Moments later, Culver flashed his 2-way talent, sacking the Manchester QB on a crucial fourth down, forcing a turnover that allowed Wooten to find JJ Woodard for a 21yard touchdown pass with just :39 seconds left in the half. The 4-play, 40-yard drive gave WCHS a commanding 28-14 halftime lead.
The third quarter became an absolute rout as the Bulldogs slammed the door shut. After receiving the second half kickoff, Ricks exploded for a 53-yard rush into the red zone. Culver finished the drive by plunging in from the “1-inch line” for his third score of the night. On the subsequent kickoff, the Bulldogs’ special teams unit struck gold again, recovering their second muffed kick on the MHS 31. This gift-wrapped field position led to a 4-yard touchdown run by Malik Madison, following a 27yard burst by Ricks that set up the score. The scoring surge gave Wheeler County an insurmountable 48-14 advantage.
Madison provided the final exclamation point in the fourth quarter. Following a Manchester score, Madison took the handoff and exploded for a 75-yard rushing touchdown. The play took just nine seconds and pushed the final score to 55-20.
The Bulldogs’ victory was powered by an offense that accounted for 303 yards and 8 total touchdowns (7 rushing, 1 passing). The stellar individual stat lines tell the story: Alvin Ricks: 11 carries for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Justin Culver: 12 carries for 75 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 two-point conversions, 1 reception for 16 yards, and 1 sack on defense. Malik Madison: 3 carries for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the 75yard breakaway run. Reco Wooten: Went 3/5 passing for 42 yards and a touchdown, adding 20 yards on 3 carries. JJ Woodard: Logged a 21yard touchdown reception.
With the historic drought over, the Wheeler County Bulldogs advance to the Sweet 16 of the Class A Division II Playoffs, cementing this year’s squad in the program's history. This week the Bulldogs will host Warren County on Friday night in Alamo at 7:30 p.m.
