By Rick Patrick
Riverbend News
Hamilton alum and now Trojan Head Coach Kirk Mitchell was hoping his first game as a head coach would reverse a trend that spans back over two decades. That is to defeat one of the school's biggest rivals, the Suwannee High School Bulldogs. For a time, during the first quarter of the game on Friday, Sept. 11, it looked as if that could be a very real possibility. But, in the end, it was the Bulldogs who would retain bragging rights in the rivalry after posting a 38-6 win over the Trojans. Several hundred football fans made their way to the stadium on the Hamilton County High School campus to support both teams as the skies cleared from the earlier afternoon rain showers.
The game began with the Trojans taking the first possession, which went three and out. Then it was the Bulldogs’ turn to attempt to move the ball on the stubborn Trojan defense. The Bulldogs were unable to convert a first down and the back-and-forth continued. The stalemate was broken in the latter part of the first quarter when the Bulldogs put together a 62-yard scoring drive that was capped off with a seven-yard touchdown run by the Bulldogs' back-up quarterback, Malachi Graham. The point-after-touchdown (PAT) was good and the score was 7-0, in favor of the Bulldogs, with 5:49 remaining in the first quarter. On their next possession, the Trojans were able to move the ball deep into the Bulldogs' end of the field. The Trojans had a first-and-goal at the 10-yard line when a series of penalties moved them back. The drive ended with a 41-yard field goal attempt, which was no good. The first quarter ended there with the score still at 7-0, in favor of the visiting Bulldogs.
The second quarter began with the Bulldogs quickly moving down the field. The Trojans' defense stiffened and the Bulldogs kicked a 24-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-0, with 9:42 remaining in the second quarter. The Trojans went three-and-out on their next drive. Then the Bulldogs quickly struck back when Jaquez Moore found a hole in the line and darted through on his way to a 40-yard touchdown run. The ensuing PAT was good, bringing the score to 17-0. The Trojans were not about to throw in the towel and with a big pass play from Denandre Johnson to Tyler Whetstone, the Trojans were knocking on the Bulldogs' door. The Trojans were unable to capitalize and turned the ball over on downs at the Bulldog 10-yard line. That Bulldog drive stalled at mid-field. The Trojans began at their own 14 and went three-and-out. With the halftime intermission quickly approaching, the Bulldogs moved down the field, to the Trojans' six-yard line. Then Moore connected with receiver Wesley Jones for another Bulldog touchdown. The PAT was good and the score was 24-0 as the first half drew to a close.
The second half began in much the same manner as the first half; with both teams going three-and-out on their first possessions of the half. On the Bulldogs' next drive, Jeremy Wallace ran 21 yards to pay-dirt. Another successful PAT brought the score to 31-0, and the Bulldogs were comfortably in control, with 7:54 remaining in the third quarter. The Trojans' next drive stalled near mid-field and the Bulldogs' offensive unit was again on the field. The Bulldogs’ next drive covered 75 yards and was capped off by another Robinson touchdown run, this time from five yards out. Bulldog kicker Braxtyn Green booted another PAT over the goal posts and the score was 38-0 with 2:45 remaining in the third and a continuously running game clock. The third quarter ended with the Trojans attempting to mount an offensive drive and the score 38-0.
The Trojans' drive stalled at the 45-yard line and the Trojans once again punted to the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs were at their own 36-yard line and went three-and-out. A bad snap on the Bulldogs' punt caused the kick to be blocked and Jayquon Williams alertly scooped the ball up and ran it across the Bulldogs' goal line, avoiding a shut-out. The Trojans attempted a two-point conversion, which was thwarted by the Bulldogs. The score was 38-6 with 4:33 remaining in the contest. The final Bulldog drive of the evening was cut short when Jeremiah Gibson picked off a pass. Time ran out with the score 38-6, in favor of the Bulldogs.
The Offensive Player of the Game for the Bulldogs was Braxton Thompson. The Defensive Player of the Game was Austin Smith. Special Teams Player of the Game for the Bulldogs was Brandon Robinson.
The Defensive Player of the Game for the Trojans was Caden Dunaway. Kejuan Robinson was the Offensive Player of the Game for the Trojans.
Coming up next for the Bulldogs, now 2-0, is another rivalry game. This time, against the three-time defending Class 1A state champion Cowboys from Madison County High School. The Cowboys are coming off an 18-13 victory over the Raiders of South Sumter High School. The game is a home game for the Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Trojans, now 0-1, will host the Gators of Wewahitchka High School, from Wewahitchka, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 18. The Gators are coming in with a 2-0 record after defeating the Seahawks of Franklin County, 40-6. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.