Bulldogs defeat Valley Mills, set for Rio Vista in Bi-District

The Marlin Bulldogs ended the regular season with a big win over the Valley Mills Eagles. The Bulldogs soundly defeated the Eagles  41-14. 

The first quarter was all Marlin as they would score on a 5-yard touchdown run from Desmond Woodson, an 8-yard touchdown run by Mario Hopwood, and a 9-yard touchdown pass from Woodson to Zha’Mauryon Lofton to jump to a 21-0 lead. 

Valley Mills ended the shutout in the second quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run to make the score 21-7. Marlin answered back with a pick six from Jeoffrey Mims to increase their lead to 28-7. The Eagles then scored on a 31-yard touchdown pass to make the score 28-14 going into halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, Marlin would finish the game with an 84-yard touchdown run by Woodson and a 33-yard touchdown pass from  Woodson to Lofton to seal the win 41-14. Desmond Woodson was absolutely on fire, throwing for 296 yards and two touchdowns, along with rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. 

Mario Hopwood played incredibly well, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown. Zha’Mauryon Lofton had a game to remember, catching 13 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. The defense was unstoppable with a fumble, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and allowed no second half points. 

The next matchup for the Marlin will be at West High School as they take on the Rio Vista Eagles in the Bi-District round of the playoffs. The game will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in West.