Bulldogs tame Butler Bears 46-14

The Bulldogs of El Dorado Springs had an excellent showing this past Friday as they beat the Bears of Butler by a score of 46-14.

I thought it was an exciting game to be a part of. Butler brought everything they had throwing punch for punch. I knew there would be a chance of it being a close game at halftime, but I was hoping for better than a 14-14 tie.

The boys responded well coming out from the half and really executed in all phases of the game. I was extremely proud of the effort each player gave throughout the contest. They responded well when negative plays occurred and stuck to the game plan.

Offensively as a team we had 375 yards of offense with four touchdowns. Junior QB Clayton Collins tallied nearly 300 yards of offense alone (9/19, 209yds, 90 yards rushing, three TDs). He did a better job extending drives using his feet against pressure and was able to make a few more reads a little quicker than in the weeks before.

His receiving core did a great job running routes as we had three wide receivers with over 40 yards in receptions. Junior Preston Robison had three receptions for 123 yards and two TDs. Senior Brayden Housh had two receptions for 44 yards and one TD. Junior Gaven Morgan had some real physical yards gained with four receptions and 42 yards.

But as the people who were game the game know, Morgan’s physical play did not end on offense. Defensively, he accounted for 10 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive TDs. An outstanding performance. After checking MSHSAA records he is only one of 3-4 players to ever have two fumble recoveries for touchdowns in a single game.

Other players who stood out were Dalton Adams and Payton Green. Dalton started his first game for the varsity on Friday as an inside linebacker. I thought he played with extreme heart and tried to grow/get better as the game went on. As he gains more game experience, I expect him to continue to get better. Payton Green did an excellent job picking up lose slack from missing Trey Graves in the lineup. I was extremely proud of both these players stepping up their game for the team.

Rounding out the highlights from the game, Haiden Overton while he was schematically limited in attempts, the value he had was tremendous, @ five rushes 73 yards and one TD (14.6 average per carry).

This week will be my first opportunity to coach in the CEDAR COUNTY BOWL. I am very honored and blessed to lead this year’s team into the battle. I am extremely excited about our game plan and am having a great week of practice with the team.

LOADED FOR BEAR – Bulldog QB Junior Clayton Collins uses his legs to avoid the Butler Bears defenders as he get ready to fire one of his 19 passes, nine of which connected for 209 yards. Collins tallied 90 yards rushing and three TDs.

This week is also Homecoming, so with that comes added distractions throughout the week. With Homecoming and Cedar County Bowl all on the same night, we have to remain focused on the game plan and taking care of business on the field before cuttin’ a rug on the dance floor.

I invite everyone out Friday as we play Stockton. Come hungry, come LOUD, and WEAR BLACK as we try to BLACK OUT TIGERS.