Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
On Friday, Nov. 11, the Suwannee High School Bulldogs (8-2) began their playoff chase by hosting the Walton Braves (7-3). Entering the game, the Bulldogs had relied on their defense to allow running back Marquavious Owens to run free behind their much-improved offensive line. The team's coaching staff has challenged their players all season, and the Bulldogs have answered the call each and every time. They would once again need to answer the call against the Braves, allowing Bronsen Tillotson to take to the air.
Despite Tillotson throwing for more than 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season, his stats have been overshadowed by Owens's outstanding performance as of late; Owens nearly rushed for 1,000 yards on the regular season and had a stellar defense all season. However, it would be a mistake on the Braves' part to overlook Tillotson and his talents at the quarterback position.
The Braves made no secret about their defensive approach against the Bulldogs—load the box, stop Owens and force Tillotson to use his arm. This was a game plan the Bulldogs anticipated and prepared for. As such, it was not a shock to Suwannee's coaching staff to see Tillotson throw for 354 yards on the night, completing five touchdowns to four different receivers.
Tillotson answered the call on the first series of the game, setting the tone for the Bulldogs. With Tillotson finding M.J. Rossin on a nine-yard slant for the Bulldogs' first touchdown of the night, the boys quickly jumped out to a 6-0 lead. This was extended when kicker Braxtyn Green came on to add the extra point. Tillotson took to the air again later in the first quarter when he found Ka'Derian Ivey for a 35-yard touchdown pass to put the Bulldogs at 14-0.
In the second quarter, it was more of the same. Tillotson led the Bulldogs' offense for two more touchdown throws, this time to Javarion Smith with a highlight-type throw and catch. Smith scored his second touchdown of the night when Tillotson hit him on a short route and let the talented receiver do the rest with his footwork, scampering 40-yards to the end zone. Green went on to add another three points from 43 yards out for a Bulldogs field goal, bringing the score to 30-0 at halftime.
The second half is where the Braves found life, but it would not be enough to overcome the gunslinger in Tillotson. He went on to add to the Bulldogs' score when he found Kodi Lang for a 35-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs' defense later got into the scoring mix when they collected a safety, bringing the final score to 39-15.
The Bulldogs will advance to the second round of the playoffs by hosting the West Florida Jaguars (8-2), who advanced after a 35-0 shutout over the Bay Tornadoes. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at Paul Langford Stadium, located at 302 Parshley St. SW, in Live Oak.