Bulldogs Weather the Storm, Lead Warriors in Lightning Shortened Opener
The Wheeler County High School Bulldogs' highly anticipated football season opener against the Wilkinson County Warriors was a game of thrilling moments and abrupt stops, ultimately called due to lightning near the end of the first half with the Bulldogs holding a hardfought 20-12 lead.
The Bulldogs wasted no time setting the tone, marching down the field in the first quarter. Their efforts were rewarded with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, but the subsequent point-after attempt was missed, putting them on top 6-0.
The rest of the quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams exchanging turnovers on downs. The Bulldogs' defense came up big late, recovering a Wilkinson County fumble to maintain possession and their slim lead as the first quarter came to a close.
Wheeler County's offense ignited again early in the second quarter. After a series of punts from both sides, the Bulldogs broke through with a dynamic 45-yard rushing touchdown. They successfully converted the two-point conversion with a completed pass, extending their lead to 14- 0.
However, the Warriors quickly responded with an impressive drive of their own, featuring a long run and a long pass that set them up on the one-yard line. They punched it in for a rushing touchdown, but their missed PAT kept the score at 14-6.
The momentum was building, but the elements intervened. The game was halted with seven minutes remaining in the first half as lightning was spotted in the area. After a lengthy delay, both teams returned to the field, ready to finish the half.
The Bulldogs came out of the weather delay with renewed energy. Starting from their own 18-yard line, they engineered another strong drive that culminated in an 8-yard rushing touchdown. A missed PAT left the score at 20-6.
The back-and-forth action continued as the Warriors responded immediately with a long pass for a touchdown. Their attempt to close the gap with a two-point conversion failed, and the score was 20-12 with just under four minutes left in the half.
Just as the game seemed to be hitting its stride, another lightning strike was detected. The game was delayed once more, this time for an extended period. With conditions not improving, the decision was made to postpone the remainder of the game.
The Bulldogs are taking it as a win as Wilkinson decided to stop the contest at that point. It was an exciting, albeit shortened, start to the season for both teams.
This Friday Wheeler will be at home against the Vikings of Taylor County. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
