Bulldogs set for Mason in Regionals
The Marlin Bulldogs defeated the Schulenburg Shorthorns in the Area round of the playoffs on Friday, Nov. 22, to head to the next round against Mason.
The Bulldogs defeated the Shorthorns 35-14 to advance to the next round.
Marlin kicked off to start the game. Their defense held tough and forced a punt. The Bulldogs marched down the field but were faced with a fourth and one. Marlin went for the fourth down conversion and succeeded. That was soon followed with a 16-yard touchdown run by Jordan Womack (1) to take a 7-0 lead.
The Marlin offense quickly returned to the field with help from an interception by Caden Judie (2). The offense didn’t go very far and had a three and out. The Marlin defense returned to the field and forced a fourth and 6. Marlin spoiled their conversion attempt with an interception by Ivan Ricks (24). The first quarter ended with the Bulldogs ahead 7-0.
Marlin started the second quarter slow and was forced to punt. Schulenburg responded and scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7.
The Bulldogs returned on offense and marched down the field, but their drive was cut short due to a fumble recovered by Schulenburg. The Marlin defense remained stout and forced a punt. Marlin conducted a last-minute drive and scored on a 14-yard touchdown run by Roderick Suiters (9) to go into halftime leading 14-7.
Marlin received the ball to start the second half and started quickly with a dynamic 78-yard touchdown run by De’angelo Wright (4) to take a 21-7 advantage.
The offense quickly returned to the field following a fumble recovered by Marlin. The Bulldogs could not take advantage of the turnover and went three and out. The Marlin defense bent a little and allowed a 29-yard pass, but didn’t break and forced a fourth and 2.
Once again, Marlin spoiled their conversion attempt with an interception, this time by Aarik Smith-Shelley (12). The Bulldogs tried to drive down the field with a 14-yard pass from Suiters to D’mariion Butler (7). The third quarter ended with Marlin ahead 21-7.
The fourth quarter for Marlin started rough as Judie fumbled the ball in the end zone for a turnover, costing them some points. However, Marlin stayed strong on defense and forced a three and out.
The Bulldogs responded with 14 unanswered points in the quarter to take a commanding 35-7 lead. Those scores were from a 44-yard touchdown pass from Suiters to Judie and a 19-yard touchdown run by Suiters. Schulenburg drove down the field on their final drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to make the score 35–14, but it wasn’t enough as they failed their onside kick attempt and Marlin won the game 35-14.
As they advance in the playoffs, Marlin will take on the Mason Punchers in the Regional round of the playoffs. The game will be on Friday, Nov. 29, at John Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park and kickoff is set for 7 p.m.