By Russ Ragan
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors softball team got some games in recently around the rough weather that we had lately. Dodge recorded three big region wins. They whipped Dublin after a 17-run first inning, in a 24-2 win.
They recorded 11-3 wins over both Vidalia and Swainsboro. Here are the stat rundowns from those games.
In Dublin, Meg Lewis had three walks and two runs scored; Rebecca Bowling had a walk, a triple and a run scored; Ava Maxwell had three walks and three runs scored; Reagan Graham had a single, a double and three runs scored; Mariah Flowers had a walk, a single, a homer and three runs scored; Alyssa Reed had two walks and three runs scored; Annie Jones had a walk, a homer and three runs scored and Jessica Joiner had two walks, a single and three runs scored. She was also the winning pitcher.
In Vidalia, Ava Rowland had a single, a walk and a run scored; Jayci Yawn had a run scored; Makiyah Roberson had a triple, a double, a walk and three runs scored; JaiunaVae Pattillo had a single and two runs scored; Annie Jones had two singles and three runs scored; Reagan Boney had two singles; Skye Meadows had two walks and a run scored and Brook Perdue was the winning pitcher with two strikeouts.
In Swainsboro, Jayci Yawn had a single and a run scored; Dylana Barton had a single, a triple and a run scored; Makiyah Roberson had a single and a run scored; Reagan Boney had a run scored; Brooke Perdue had a single and two runs scored; Annie Jones had a single and three runs scored and Skye Meadows had a single and two runs scored.
Sports - Topics from September, 2017
Lady Indians split games in Laurens County
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge High Lady Indians split a pair of games over the past week, after postponements with Telfair County and Northeast Macon. Dodge made the swing through Laurens County with West Laurens on Wednesday and Dublin on Thursday.
The West Laurens game was quite the battle. The game saw Dodge rally with two out in the seventh to send the game to extra innings before dropping a tough 3-2 decision. Dodge returned to region play on Thursday, and they crushed the Lady Irish 17-0.
The Northeast game is scheduled to be made up today (Wednesday), with a 5:30 p.m. at home.
Jade Dowdy got the start this past Wednesday, against the Lady Raiders. She retired the side in order in the first on a pop-up and a pair of ground outs. All three went to shortstop Aniyah Black. Dodge got on the board in the second. Hailey Hickman singled with one out, and she advanced to third on a two-out hit from Jenna Hickman. Julianna Bellflower singled to left, scoring Hailey Hickman for a 1-0 Dodge lead.
The game remained 1-0 going to the bottom of the fourth. The Lady Raiders tied the game, after a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly. The damage was limited, as Jacey Dowdy threw out a base runner on a perfect throw to Black. The game was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the fifth. The Lady Raiders took the lead with an unearned run, and it was a 2-1 game.
The game remained 2-1 going to the seventh inning. Amber Maxwell got Dodge’s first hit since the second inning with a leadoff single. A sacrifice bunt put the tying run in scoring position. With two out, Jade Dowdy singled her home and the game was tied at 2-2. Both teams went down in order in the eighth. Dodge had its chance in the ninth, as they loaded up the bases with three walks. Dodge couldn’t push across a run. The Lady Raiders would push across a run in the bottom of the ninth and take a 3-2 win. Jade Dowdy pitched really well, as she threw just 81 pitches, with a rare no-walk, no-strikeout game.
The important game of the week was Thursday, as Dodge traveled back to Dublin, this time for a region game against the Lady Irish. Dodge got to work in the top of the first with two out. Black was hit by a pitch, Abby Manning followed with a single and Jacey Dowdy reached on an error to load the bases. Sara Lann would single to score Black, Manning and Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy to give Dodge a 3-0 lead.
No problems for Jade Dowdy in the bottom of the first, as she got the side out in order, including a strikeout. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off the Dodge second. Bellflower followed with a single. A pair of stolen bases put runners on second and third. Jade Dowdy helped herself with a double, scoring Jenna Hickman and Bellflower for a 5-0 game. Sydney Powell, running for Dowdy, and Black would add runs and give Dodge a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the second.
Dodge got out of a small jam in the bottom of the second, as the Lady Irish put a pair of runners on base. The Lady Indians went back to work at the plate in the third. Maxwell reached on an error and stole second to lead off the inning. A single from Jenna Hickman scored Maxwell for an 8-0 lead. Bellflower walked and she, along with Jenna Hickman, stole a base for the second time in the game. They both would score for a 10-0 lead. Dodge would take advantage of four more walks, which would lead to two more Dodge runs and a 12-0 lead.
The Lady Indians would wrap this one up in the fourth. Linzy Bowen would lead off with a walk. Powell would single her home for a 13-0 game. Hailey Hickman would single in a run and Gracie Lewis would drive in a pair for the 17-0 final.
The Dodge High Lady Indians split a pair of games over the past week, after postponements with Telfair County and Northeast Macon. Dodge made the swing through Laurens County with West Laurens on Wednesday and Dublin on Thursday.
The West Laurens game was quite the battle. The game saw Dodge rally with two out in the seventh to send the game to extra innings before dropping a tough 3-2 decision. Dodge returned to region play on Thursday, and they crushed the Lady Irish 17-0.
The Northeast game is scheduled to be made up today (Wednesday), with a 5:30 p.m. at home.
Jade Dowdy got the start this past Wednesday, against the Lady Raiders. She retired the side in order in the first on a pop-up and a pair of ground outs. All three went to shortstop Aniyah Black. Dodge got on the board in the second. Hailey Hickman singled with one out, and she advanced to third on a two-out hit from Jenna Hickman. Julianna Bellflower singled to left, scoring Hailey Hickman for a 1-0 Dodge lead.
The game remained 1-0 going to the bottom of the fourth. The Lady Raiders tied the game, after a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly. The damage was limited, as Jacey Dowdy threw out a base runner on a perfect throw to Black. The game was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the fifth. The Lady Raiders took the lead with an unearned run, and it was a 2-1 game.
The game remained 2-1 going to the seventh inning. Amber Maxwell got Dodge’s first hit since the second inning with a leadoff single. A sacrifice bunt put the tying run in scoring position. With two out, Jade Dowdy singled her home and the game was tied at 2-2. Both teams went down in order in the eighth. Dodge had its chance in the ninth, as they loaded up the bases with three walks. Dodge couldn’t push across a run. The Lady Raiders would push across a run in the bottom of the ninth and take a 3-2 win. Jade Dowdy pitched really well, as she threw just 81 pitches, with a rare no-walk, no-strikeout game.
The important game of the week was Thursday, as Dodge traveled back to Dublin, this time for a region game against the Lady Irish. Dodge got to work in the top of the first with two out. Black was hit by a pitch, Abby Manning followed with a single and Jacey Dowdy reached on an error to load the bases. Sara Lann would single to score Black, Manning and Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy to give Dodge a 3-0 lead.
No problems for Jade Dowdy in the bottom of the first, as she got the side out in order, including a strikeout. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off the Dodge second. Bellflower followed with a single. A pair of stolen bases put runners on second and third. Jade Dowdy helped herself with a double, scoring Jenna Hickman and Bellflower for a 5-0 game. Sydney Powell, running for Dowdy, and Black would add runs and give Dodge a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the second.
Dodge got out of a small jam in the bottom of the second, as the Lady Irish put a pair of runners on base. The Lady Indians went back to work at the plate in the third. Maxwell reached on an error and stole second to lead off the inning. A single from Jenna Hickman scored Maxwell for an 8-0 lead. Bellflower walked and she, along with Jenna Hickman, stole a base for the second time in the game. They both would score for a 10-0 lead. Dodge would take advantage of four more walks, which would lead to two more Dodge runs and a 12-0 lead.
The Lady Indians would wrap this one up in the fourth. Linzy Bowen would lead off with a walk. Powell would single her home for a 13-0 game. Hailey Hickman would single in a run and Gracie Lewis would drive in a pair for the 17-0 final.
Dodge County Indians destroy Dooly County 70-27
By David Bush
Football fans, I didn’t think Friday night would ever get here. I don’t know about you, but I was a little more than frustrated a week ago when Appling County cancelled the football game with us. Apparently, our boys were a little bit frustrated too, and Dooly County would be the team they took it out on, and boy did they. Allow me to set the stage for you.
First-of-all, Dooly County is no pushover. This is one of class single (A)’s better teams. The Bobcats have an extremely talented and athletic quarterback in #7 Bo Lawson and a handful of good receivers and backs to compliment him. Earlier this season, Dooly gave Macon County, last year’s class single (A) state champs, all they wanted in a 44-36 loss. Macon County beat Fitzgerald, last year’s class double (AA) state runner-ups, by a score of 42-21. And, to top things off, Dooly beat us last season. So, I admit it, I was a little nervous about this game. Now to the game.
Dodge County won the toss and deferred to the second half. Junior #19 Peyton Bush would kickoff to Dooly and they would return it to their 27-yard line. Dodge’s defense set the tone for the night, holding Dooly to a three and out and forcing a punt.
Our Indians would get started on their own 41-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, junior #2 R.J. Carr broke free for a 55-yard gain, taking the ball down to the Bobcat four-yard line. Two plays later, senior #5 Tyler Montford came in to power the ball up the middle for the first score of the night. #19 Bush came in to kick the point after, but the kick failed. Dodge would lead 6-0.
The Dooly Bobcats then took the kickoff and returned it to their own 25-yard line to start their second possession. On third and six, Dooly’s elusive quarterback broke a long run himself, before being run down from behind by freshman safety #14 Micheal Carr at the Dodge County six-yard line. Three plays later, Dooly would find the end zone and miss the extra point to leave the game tied at 6-6 still early in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Dooly County kicker practically missed the ball, barely knocking it off the tee, and it was downed by Dooly at their own 39-yard line. Dooly lost a yard on the kick itself. Dodge had the ball first and ten. Junior #27 Erin Pitts would catch a pass for about 14 yards to set up first and goal from the nine-yard line. Two plays later, #27 Pitts was all alone in the end-zone, with a touchdown reception from senior quarterback #11 Nick Cummings. #19 Bush’s extra point was good this time, and Dodge was back up 13-6.
After another kickoff, great defensive stand and a punt by Dooly, Dodge found themselves back in control of the ball at midfield. Dodge would drive the ball down the field behind strong running, due to a great job of blocking by the offensive line, and a key reception by senior receiver #20 KeAnthony Woods. #2 Carr scored Dodge County’s third touchdown with a nice 15-yard run. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians extended the lead to 20-6 with 11 minutes 55 seconds to go in the second quarter.
Both teams would trade possessions, and #19 Bush would come in to punt for the one and only time of the night for the Indians, putting the ball inside the 20-yard line and pinning the Bobcats back at their own 12-yard line. The Dodge County defense, which has been tough all season, held again to give our offense another chance to score.
With eight minutes 20 seconds to go in the half, the Indians would score again with two nice runs. #2 Carr took the ball for a 23-yard gain, and on the next play, #27 Pitts would go 26 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The extra point unit of #19 Bush, #52 Alex Horne and #11 Cummings would again tack on the extra point, and Dodge was now up 27-6.
Again, the Indian defense came up big, getting the ball back for the hungry offense. Starting at their own 38-yard line, Dodge would put together another fine drive. The drive took nine plays and a drive-saving fumble recovery by big #66 Ty Bellflower, before our own very talented quarterback, #16 Cummings, would find the end zone for the fifth score of the night. #19 Bush added the extra point, and Dodge was rolling 34-6 with two minutes 41 seconds left in the second quarter.
Senior #41 Cade Cranford had a big night on defense keeping the Dooly County quarterback running for his life all night long. He and the rest of the Dodge County wrecking crew kept the Bobcats at bay the rest of the quarter, and the first half would end 34-6.
After a great halftime show by the Dodge County Marching Chiefs, we were ready to get started with the second half. Dooly County was too.
Dooly would surprise the Indians with an onside kick and successfully recover the ball. The Cats would score quickly and convert on a two-point conversion to close the gap to 34-14, with nine minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter.
It wouldn’t take long for Dodge to answer. On the next kickoff, freshman #1 Daylon Gordon would return the short kick to the Dooly County 20-yard line. Four plays later, #5 Montford was again called on to punch the ball in from a few yards out. #19 Bush’s point was again good, and the score was now 41-14 Dodge with still seven minutes 37 seconds to go in the third quarter.
After a #19 Bush kickoff, Dooly returned the ball to the Dodge 45-yard line. The Indian defense appeared to have them going backwards, when on a fourth and 24 play, the Dooly County quarterback, scrambling to his left, threw a strike to an open receiver in the end-zone. The point-after attempt was good, and the Bobcats would cut the lead to 41-21 to keep their hopes alive with six minutes 29 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, but this time, we were ready. The Bobcats, playing a little more inspired, seemed to have the Indians on their heels, and the offense was sputtering. Then, on a second and 19 play, #27 Pitts came through again for us and broke off a nice 58-yard touchdown run. The extra point by #19 Bush was good, and the score was now 48-21 with four minutes 43 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Bobcats wouldn’t give up however, and starting at their own 20-yard line, put together an impressive 12-play, 80-yard drive to score once again. The extra point attempt was blocked by #41 Cranford, and the score was now 48-27 with one minute 44 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, and again, the Indians were waiting. Dodge wasted no time answering the Dooly score with one of their own. In four plays, Dodge moved the ball 60 yards and #27 Pitts carried the ball in from seven yards out for his fourth touchdown of the night. #19 Bush’s extra point was good, and the score was now 55-27 with 11 minutes 19 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.
By now, the Bobcats seemed to be losing hope, and the Dodge defense stopped them deep in their own territory. On a third and four play, quarterback #16 Cummings found senior #15 Darrius “Swag” Wilcox for a 14-yard reception and another Dodge County touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score grew to 62-27.
After the kickoff, Dooly tried another desperation pass, and it was intercepted by #1 Gordon at the Indian 20-yard line with six minutes 20 seconds still left in the game.
With the game pretty much in hand, the younger players were put in to gain some valuable playing time. Dooly wouldn’t be able to stop this bunch either. Eight plays later, #1 Gordon, who carried the ball on seven of the eight plays, would score the final touchdown from five yards out. There was a low snap on the extra point and the holder, #16 Cummings, gathered it up and ran it in for two points to make the final score of the night. Dodge would win 70-27 and go to three wins with no losses on the season.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, showed that Dodge would end the night with 20 first downs to Dooly’s 14. Dodge had 590 yards rushing to Dooly’s 151. Dodge had 41 yards passing to Dooly’s 234 yards. In total offense, Dodge had 631 yards and Dooly had 385 yards.
Rushing, #5 Montford had two carries for three yards, #1 Gordon had seven carries for 59 yards and one touchdown, #16 Cummings had 11 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown, #27 Pitts had eight carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns and #2 Carr had 17 carries for 179 yards and one touchdown.
Receiving, #20 Woods had one catch for five yards, #30 Timmy Johnson had one catch for four yards, #15 Wilcox had one catch for 16 yards and one touchdown and #27 Pitts had two catches for 20 yards and one touchdown.
This week’s game will be at home against Southwest Macon. This team beat us in Macon last year, in a close game, and won the region. We are going to need every person in Dodge County there to help our boys pull this one out. Come out this Friday and support our Indians.
Football fans, I didn’t think Friday night would ever get here. I don’t know about you, but I was a little more than frustrated a week ago when Appling County cancelled the football game with us. Apparently, our boys were a little bit frustrated too, and Dooly County would be the team they took it out on, and boy did they. Allow me to set the stage for you.
First-of-all, Dooly County is no pushover. This is one of class single (A)’s better teams. The Bobcats have an extremely talented and athletic quarterback in #7 Bo Lawson and a handful of good receivers and backs to compliment him. Earlier this season, Dooly gave Macon County, last year’s class single (A) state champs, all they wanted in a 44-36 loss. Macon County beat Fitzgerald, last year’s class double (AA) state runner-ups, by a score of 42-21. And, to top things off, Dooly beat us last season. So, I admit it, I was a little nervous about this game. Now to the game.
Dodge County won the toss and deferred to the second half. Junior #19 Peyton Bush would kickoff to Dooly and they would return it to their 27-yard line. Dodge’s defense set the tone for the night, holding Dooly to a three and out and forcing a punt.
Our Indians would get started on their own 41-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, junior #2 R.J. Carr broke free for a 55-yard gain, taking the ball down to the Bobcat four-yard line. Two plays later, senior #5 Tyler Montford came in to power the ball up the middle for the first score of the night. #19 Bush came in to kick the point after, but the kick failed. Dodge would lead 6-0.
The Dooly Bobcats then took the kickoff and returned it to their own 25-yard line to start their second possession. On third and six, Dooly’s elusive quarterback broke a long run himself, before being run down from behind by freshman safety #14 Micheal Carr at the Dodge County six-yard line. Three plays later, Dooly would find the end zone and miss the extra point to leave the game tied at 6-6 still early in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Dooly County kicker practically missed the ball, barely knocking it off the tee, and it was downed by Dooly at their own 39-yard line. Dooly lost a yard on the kick itself. Dodge had the ball first and ten. Junior #27 Erin Pitts would catch a pass for about 14 yards to set up first and goal from the nine-yard line. Two plays later, #27 Pitts was all alone in the end-zone, with a touchdown reception from senior quarterback #11 Nick Cummings. #19 Bush’s extra point was good this time, and Dodge was back up 13-6.
After another kickoff, great defensive stand and a punt by Dooly, Dodge found themselves back in control of the ball at midfield. Dodge would drive the ball down the field behind strong running, due to a great job of blocking by the offensive line, and a key reception by senior receiver #20 KeAnthony Woods. #2 Carr scored Dodge County’s third touchdown with a nice 15-yard run. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians extended the lead to 20-6 with 11 minutes 55 seconds to go in the second quarter.
Both teams would trade possessions, and #19 Bush would come in to punt for the one and only time of the night for the Indians, putting the ball inside the 20-yard line and pinning the Bobcats back at their own 12-yard line. The Dodge County defense, which has been tough all season, held again to give our offense another chance to score.
With eight minutes 20 seconds to go in the half, the Indians would score again with two nice runs. #2 Carr took the ball for a 23-yard gain, and on the next play, #27 Pitts would go 26 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The extra point unit of #19 Bush, #52 Alex Horne and #11 Cummings would again tack on the extra point, and Dodge was now up 27-6.
Again, the Indian defense came up big, getting the ball back for the hungry offense. Starting at their own 38-yard line, Dodge would put together another fine drive. The drive took nine plays and a drive-saving fumble recovery by big #66 Ty Bellflower, before our own very talented quarterback, #16 Cummings, would find the end zone for the fifth score of the night. #19 Bush added the extra point, and Dodge was rolling 34-6 with two minutes 41 seconds left in the second quarter.
Senior #41 Cade Cranford had a big night on defense keeping the Dooly County quarterback running for his life all night long. He and the rest of the Dodge County wrecking crew kept the Bobcats at bay the rest of the quarter, and the first half would end 34-6.
After a great halftime show by the Dodge County Marching Chiefs, we were ready to get started with the second half. Dooly County was too.
Dooly would surprise the Indians with an onside kick and successfully recover the ball. The Cats would score quickly and convert on a two-point conversion to close the gap to 34-14, with nine minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter.
It wouldn’t take long for Dodge to answer. On the next kickoff, freshman #1 Daylon Gordon would return the short kick to the Dooly County 20-yard line. Four plays later, #5 Montford was again called on to punch the ball in from a few yards out. #19 Bush’s point was again good, and the score was now 41-14 Dodge with still seven minutes 37 seconds to go in the third quarter.
After a #19 Bush kickoff, Dooly returned the ball to the Dodge 45-yard line. The Indian defense appeared to have them going backwards, when on a fourth and 24 play, the Dooly County quarterback, scrambling to his left, threw a strike to an open receiver in the end-zone. The point-after attempt was good, and the Bobcats would cut the lead to 41-21 to keep their hopes alive with six minutes 29 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, but this time, we were ready. The Bobcats, playing a little more inspired, seemed to have the Indians on their heels, and the offense was sputtering. Then, on a second and 19 play, #27 Pitts came through again for us and broke off a nice 58-yard touchdown run. The extra point by #19 Bush was good, and the score was now 48-21 with four minutes 43 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Bobcats wouldn’t give up however, and starting at their own 20-yard line, put together an impressive 12-play, 80-yard drive to score once again. The extra point attempt was blocked by #41 Cranford, and the score was now 48-27 with one minute 44 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, and again, the Indians were waiting. Dodge wasted no time answering the Dooly score with one of their own. In four plays, Dodge moved the ball 60 yards and #27 Pitts carried the ball in from seven yards out for his fourth touchdown of the night. #19 Bush’s extra point was good, and the score was now 55-27 with 11 minutes 19 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.
By now, the Bobcats seemed to be losing hope, and the Dodge defense stopped them deep in their own territory. On a third and four play, quarterback #16 Cummings found senior #15 Darrius “Swag” Wilcox for a 14-yard reception and another Dodge County touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score grew to 62-27.
After the kickoff, Dooly tried another desperation pass, and it was intercepted by #1 Gordon at the Indian 20-yard line with six minutes 20 seconds still left in the game.
With the game pretty much in hand, the younger players were put in to gain some valuable playing time. Dooly wouldn’t be able to stop this bunch either. Eight plays later, #1 Gordon, who carried the ball on seven of the eight plays, would score the final touchdown from five yards out. There was a low snap on the extra point and the holder, #16 Cummings, gathered it up and ran it in for two points to make the final score of the night. Dodge would win 70-27 and go to three wins with no losses on the season.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, showed that Dodge would end the night with 20 first downs to Dooly’s 14. Dodge had 590 yards rushing to Dooly’s 151. Dodge had 41 yards passing to Dooly’s 234 yards. In total offense, Dodge had 631 yards and Dooly had 385 yards.
Rushing, #5 Montford had two carries for three yards, #1 Gordon had seven carries for 59 yards and one touchdown, #16 Cummings had 11 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown, #27 Pitts had eight carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns and #2 Carr had 17 carries for 179 yards and one touchdown.
Receiving, #20 Woods had one catch for five yards, #30 Timmy Johnson had one catch for four yards, #15 Wilcox had one catch for 16 yards and one touchdown and #27 Pitts had two catches for 20 yards and one touchdown.
This week’s game will be at home against Southwest Macon. This team beat us in Macon last year, in a close game, and won the region. We are going to need every person in Dodge County there to help our boys pull this one out. Come out this Friday and support our Indians.
Dodge Lady Indians win big over Southeast Macon
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge High Lady Indians got one game in last week in advance of Hurricane Irma. They hit the road on Thursday and traveled to Macon to play Southeast. The game was never in question, as Dodge ran over the Lady Patriots 20-1.
Freshman Sydney Powell got a one out single to get the offense started in the game on Thursday. A walk to Logan White, also a freshman, put runners on second and third after a stolen base and a wild pitch. Sara Lann doubled in both runners at second and third for a 2-0 lead. Hailey Hickman followed up with a walk. Linzy Bowen, Gracie Lewis and Amber Maxwell all reached on errors, which scored Lann, Hailey Hickman and Bowen. It was 5-0 Dodge after the first.
The Lady Patriots put a run on the board in the bottom of the first. They put together a walk, a pair of stolen bases and an error for an unearned run off of Lann in the bottom of the first. Lann had a pair of strikeouts in the inning.
Dodge added to the lead in the second. Hailey Hickman would score on a wild pitch for a 7-1 lead. Europe Brown reached on an infield hit, and she advanced on a bunt from Bowen and would score on an error for an 8-1 Dodge lead going into the bottom of the second.
The Lady Patriots picked up another base runner in the second on a walk. That runner would be erased as Jenna Hickman threw her out at third to Hailey Hickman on the putout after an overthrow.
Dodge would completely put the game out of reach in the third. Jenna Hickman singled to lead off the third and she advanced to third base after a stolen base and a wild pitch. Powell singled her home for a 9-1 lead. White and Lann followed with singles, as Powell would score for a 10-1 game. Hailey Hickman would drive home White for an 11-1 lead. A walk from Brown and a single by Bowen set the table for Lewis, and she singled home a pair of runs for a 13-1 lead. A double from Maxwell made it 14-1 Dodge. The beating continued, as the Lady Indians got six more runs before they got themselves out by leaving the base early. Lann was the winning pitcher with four strikeouts in three no-hit innings.
A region game is scheduled against Dublin at Dublin on Thursday. The Northeast Macon game that was postponed for Tuesday will be played on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at home.
NOTE: The above photos were taken by Kim Dowdy of the Lady Indians when they played Southeast Macon at a prior game.
The Dodge High Lady Indians got one game in last week in advance of Hurricane Irma. They hit the road on Thursday and traveled to Macon to play Southeast. The game was never in question, as Dodge ran over the Lady Patriots 20-1.
Freshman Sydney Powell got a one out single to get the offense started in the game on Thursday. A walk to Logan White, also a freshman, put runners on second and third after a stolen base and a wild pitch. Sara Lann doubled in both runners at second and third for a 2-0 lead. Hailey Hickman followed up with a walk. Linzy Bowen, Gracie Lewis and Amber Maxwell all reached on errors, which scored Lann, Hailey Hickman and Bowen. It was 5-0 Dodge after the first.
The Lady Patriots put a run on the board in the bottom of the first. They put together a walk, a pair of stolen bases and an error for an unearned run off of Lann in the bottom of the first. Lann had a pair of strikeouts in the inning.
Dodge added to the lead in the second. Hailey Hickman would score on a wild pitch for a 7-1 lead. Europe Brown reached on an infield hit, and she advanced on a bunt from Bowen and would score on an error for an 8-1 Dodge lead going into the bottom of the second.
The Lady Patriots picked up another base runner in the second on a walk. That runner would be erased as Jenna Hickman threw her out at third to Hailey Hickman on the putout after an overthrow.
Dodge would completely put the game out of reach in the third. Jenna Hickman singled to lead off the third and she advanced to third base after a stolen base and a wild pitch. Powell singled her home for a 9-1 lead. White and Lann followed with singles, as Powell would score for a 10-1 game. Hailey Hickman would drive home White for an 11-1 lead. A walk from Brown and a single by Bowen set the table for Lewis, and she singled home a pair of runs for a 13-1 lead. A double from Maxwell made it 14-1 Dodge. The beating continued, as the Lady Indians got six more runs before they got themselves out by leaving the base early. Lann was the winning pitcher with four strikeouts in three no-hit innings.
A region game is scheduled against Dublin at Dublin on Thursday. The Northeast Macon game that was postponed for Tuesday will be played on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at home.
NOTE: The above photos were taken by Kim Dowdy of the Lady Indians when they played Southeast Macon at a prior game.
Lady Indians are 4-0 in region play
By Russ Ragan
It was a week similar to the week before for the Dodge High School Lady Indians softball team. They split a pair of games, but yet again, they won the most important one.
On Monday, Dodge hosted a good Veterans team. The game went back and forth, but in the end, Dodge dropped a 6-5 decision.
On Tuesday, the Lady Indians returned to region play to host East Laurens. The Lady Indians scored four runs in the first to take an 11-2 win. The big showdown game scheduled for Thursday at Bleckley County was rained out and will be made up September 18, 2017 in Cochran.
The Lady Indians return to play on Thursday, as they play Southwest Macon on the road. Dodge will host Telfair County on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
There was a strong wind blowing straight out as Dodge hosted Veterans. The Lady Indians trailed 1-0 as they came to bat in the bottom of the first. Julianna Bellflower walked to lead off the inning. With two out, Sara Lann would single and Bellflower would score on a single by Aniyah Black to tie the game at 1-1.
Veterans would reclaim the lead in the top of the third on a pair of unearned runs off of Jade Dowdy. The lead would be 4-1 before Dodge started a comeback in the home half of the fifth. Senior left-fielder Hailey Hickman lead off the inning with a solo homer to left field for a 4-2 game. With one out, Bellflower singled and Jenna Hickman walked to put the tying runs on base. A double from Abby Manning scored Bellflower for a 4-3 game. Two batters later, Black singled that scored Jenna Hickman and Manning to give Dodge a 5-4 lead.
Veterans reclaimed the lead in the sixth for a 6-5 lead. Dodge tried to rally in the bottom of the sixth. Jade Dowdy got her second hit of the game to start the Dodge half on the sixth. Hailey Hickman followed with a walk. The Dodge rally would die out from there. The Lady Indians would get another pair of hits in the seventh but come up short in a 6-5 loss.
Dodge had to quickly come back on Tuesday to host an improving East Laurens team in a region match-up. Dodge came to bat in the bottom of the first, trailing 1-0 on a run that scored on a communication issue with the Dodge outfielders.
Dodge tied the game in the first, as Europe Brown, running for Jade Dowdy, the pitcher, stole second and came all the way around to score on an error for a 1-1 game. Dodge grabbed the lead, as Jacey Dowdy singled home Manning for a 2-1 game. The big hit of the inning came with two outs, as Amber Maxwell got a two-out hit, scoring Black and Sydney Powell, who was running for catcher Jacey Dowdy. The Dodge lead was 4-1 after the first.
Jade Dowdy got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. She had a clean second. The Lady Indians added to the lead in their half of the second.
Bellflower lead off with a walk and she would score on a two-out hit by Jacey Dowdy for a 5-1 game.
The Lady Falcons scratched in a run in the third for a 5-2 game. The Lady Indians had a big bottom of the third.
Singles from Hailey Hickman, Maxwell and Jenna Hickman loaded the bases with nobody out. Bellflower would single home Hailey Hickman and Maxwell for a 7-2 game. Manning got her second hit of the game, scoring Bellflower for an 8-2 game. Singles from Black and Jacey Dowdy scored Europe Brown and Manning for a 10-2 game after the third.
Jade Dowdy remained solid on the mound for Dodge. She recorded her third strikeout in the fourth as the lead remained 10-2. Dodge scored the final run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Jenna Hickman doubled, and she advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jade Dowdy would help herself with a run batted in to make the score 11-2. Jade Dowdy wrapped up things in the fifth with a pair of strikeouts, giving her five on the day, and she had no walks for the 11-2 win.
Dodge is now 4-0 in region play, and they are ranked third in the first state AA poll.
It was a week similar to the week before for the Dodge High School Lady Indians softball team. They split a pair of games, but yet again, they won the most important one.
On Monday, Dodge hosted a good Veterans team. The game went back and forth, but in the end, Dodge dropped a 6-5 decision.
On Tuesday, the Lady Indians returned to region play to host East Laurens. The Lady Indians scored four runs in the first to take an 11-2 win. The big showdown game scheduled for Thursday at Bleckley County was rained out and will be made up September 18, 2017 in Cochran.
The Lady Indians return to play on Thursday, as they play Southwest Macon on the road. Dodge will host Telfair County on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
There was a strong wind blowing straight out as Dodge hosted Veterans. The Lady Indians trailed 1-0 as they came to bat in the bottom of the first. Julianna Bellflower walked to lead off the inning. With two out, Sara Lann would single and Bellflower would score on a single by Aniyah Black to tie the game at 1-1.
Veterans would reclaim the lead in the top of the third on a pair of unearned runs off of Jade Dowdy. The lead would be 4-1 before Dodge started a comeback in the home half of the fifth. Senior left-fielder Hailey Hickman lead off the inning with a solo homer to left field for a 4-2 game. With one out, Bellflower singled and Jenna Hickman walked to put the tying runs on base. A double from Abby Manning scored Bellflower for a 4-3 game. Two batters later, Black singled that scored Jenna Hickman and Manning to give Dodge a 5-4 lead.
Veterans reclaimed the lead in the sixth for a 6-5 lead. Dodge tried to rally in the bottom of the sixth. Jade Dowdy got her second hit of the game to start the Dodge half on the sixth. Hailey Hickman followed with a walk. The Dodge rally would die out from there. The Lady Indians would get another pair of hits in the seventh but come up short in a 6-5 loss.
Dodge had to quickly come back on Tuesday to host an improving East Laurens team in a region match-up. Dodge came to bat in the bottom of the first, trailing 1-0 on a run that scored on a communication issue with the Dodge outfielders.
Dodge tied the game in the first, as Europe Brown, running for Jade Dowdy, the pitcher, stole second and came all the way around to score on an error for a 1-1 game. Dodge grabbed the lead, as Jacey Dowdy singled home Manning for a 2-1 game. The big hit of the inning came with two outs, as Amber Maxwell got a two-out hit, scoring Black and Sydney Powell, who was running for catcher Jacey Dowdy. The Dodge lead was 4-1 after the first.
Jade Dowdy got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. She had a clean second. The Lady Indians added to the lead in their half of the second.
Bellflower lead off with a walk and she would score on a two-out hit by Jacey Dowdy for a 5-1 game.
The Lady Falcons scratched in a run in the third for a 5-2 game. The Lady Indians had a big bottom of the third.
Singles from Hailey Hickman, Maxwell and Jenna Hickman loaded the bases with nobody out. Bellflower would single home Hailey Hickman and Maxwell for a 7-2 game. Manning got her second hit of the game, scoring Bellflower for an 8-2 game. Singles from Black and Jacey Dowdy scored Europe Brown and Manning for a 10-2 game after the third.
Jade Dowdy remained solid on the mound for Dodge. She recorded her third strikeout in the fourth as the lead remained 10-2. Dodge scored the final run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Jenna Hickman doubled, and she advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jade Dowdy would help herself with a run batted in to make the score 11-2. Jade Dowdy wrapped up things in the fifth with a pair of strikeouts, giving her five on the day, and she had no walks for the 11-2 win.
Dodge is now 4-0 in region play, and they are ranked third in the first state AA poll.
Indians defeat West Laurens 26-20
By David Bush
The Dodge County Indian football team played their first home game Friday night at Memorial Stadium (John Peacock Field) against class (AAAA) power West Laurens High School. This game would be played with the uncertainty of what part, if any, former hurricane Harvey would have on the game. Flashback to last season…Hurricane Hermine, Dodge County vs. West Laurens, at West Laurens in a sloppy, wet defensive battle. That game came down to a last-minute Cam Coleman interception that got the Indians in position for a short game-winning field goal with under a minute to go. Dodge would win 3-0.
Now it’s 2017, and with “Harvey” looming close by, what would this year’s version of the Hurricane Bowl bring?
At the start of the game, there would be a moment for the large crowd to remember and reflect on the people of South Texas during this difficult time, following the devastation dealt to them from Hurricane Harvey.
Dodge County would win the toss, and, as usual, would defer to the second half. Peyton Bush would kick the ball off into the end zone for a touchback, as the Raiders of West Laurens would start things off at their own 20-yard line. The Raiders began moving the ball until, on a crucial third down and 12 play, Raider quarterback A.J. Mathis would roll out to his right, looking down field for an open receiver, when Tyler Ruffin (#45) delivered a bone-jarring hit to the young QB that left him a little dazed and confused. West Laurens would have to punt to Dodge.
Dodge would waste little time, and after a short drive, R.J. Carr (#2) would race 45 yards for the game’s first score. Bush would come in and add the extra point, and Dodge was in business 7-0.
After another kickoff into the end zone by Bush, West Laurens would try again from their own 20-yard line. The Dodge defense would again prove tough, as Jadin Johnson (#35), Tyler Montford (#5) and Vincent “Big Country” Mann (#65) were too much for the Raiders, and again they would have to punt the ball back to Indians.
Dodge would take over at its own 40-yard line, and only manage to move the ball to mid-field before the offense began to sputter and lose yardage. Bush would be called on to punt the ball back to the Raiders. Bush took a low snap and dropped the ball, picked it up and kicked it; however, the Raider defense was all over the punter, and the kick was blocked and scooped up by Alex Demmons (#20). Demmons ran the ball in for a West Laurens touchdown. Raider kicker, Andrew Dukes (#32) would come in to kick the extra point, but it would sail wide-right and Dodge would hang on to a 7-6 lead.
The Indians would get the ball back with less than a minute to go in the first quarter. The Indians would move the ball out to their own 45-yard line, which included a fake punt on a third and 19 play, before having to punt the ball back to the Raiders. Four plays later, West Laurens found Tyrus Reed (#8) open. Reed made a Dodge defender miss on the moist field, and Reed took off down the field for another Raider touchdown. This time the extra point was good and West Laurens grabbed the lead 13-7 with about eight minutes left in the half.
Both teams would struggle offensively and trade punts until, with just over four minutes left, Erin Pitts (#27) would break free and streak down the field before being caught from behind at the West Laurens 21-yard line. It was at this point in the game, three minutes, 57 seconds left in the half, that the game was stopped due to lightning in the area.
Tropical Storm Harvey was making his presence felt and the delay would last two hours before play resumed. Due to the new rule by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), all games much be completed, if at all possible, or the schools will be fined. Games can be finished the same day or finished on the next feasible day. After a brief inspection of the field, it was decided to finish the game that night.
Dodge would have the ball first and ten at the West Laurens 21-yard line with three minutes 57 seconds to go in the half. Dodge would only be able to move the ball to the 10-yard line before deciding to kick a field goal. Bush would come in, and with wet field conditions, long snapper Alex Horne (#52) and holder Noah Cummings (#16) did a great job of handling the snap and hold. The kick was good and the score was now 13-10, with West Laurens still leading. The half would end with no other scoring and the Indians and Raiders would head back to the locker room.
The seconds half would start with the Raiders kicking off to Dodge. After a good return to the Indians 40-yard line, the offense would set up shop and move the all into Raider territory before stalling at the West Laurens 25-yard line. Again, Bush (#19) was called on to try a 42-yard field goal and once again, the field goal unit would execute and the kick was good, tying the game.
The score was 13-13 with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter. Bush would kick the ball off for the third time in the end zone, pinning the Raiders back at their own 20-yard line.
Both defenses would play tough for most of the third quarter until, with about two minutes left in the third, Carr (#2) would break free for a 30-yard touchdown run. Bush’s extra point was good, and the Indians were back on top 20-13. The third quarter would end with no further scoring.
West Laurens would punt the ball to Dodge to start the fourth quarter, and with about 11 minutes left in the game, Nick Cummings (#11)would make a spectacular 65-yard run for another Dodge County touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good and Dodge now led 26-13.
After another Dodge kickoff, West Laurens would again turn to the pass and moved the ball quickly out to around mid-field. The Raiders continued to move the ball and found themselves inside the Dodge 20-yard line. With about six minutes left in the contest, West Laurens running back Doryan Gorham (#6) thrust himself through the middle and trotted in from nine yards out. The point after was good and the score was now 26-20 in favor of the Indians. Again, both defenses would stiffen and trade possessions, until the Dodge defense came up with a big fumble recovery on the Raiders’ 31-yard line. With less than a minute to go in the game, the Indians could now run out the clock for win number two.
Dodge finished the night with 313 yards rushing to West Laurens’ 38 total rushing yards. Dodge had only eight total passing yards, compared to the Raiders’ 229 yards. Dodge had the edge in total offense with 321 total yards to West Laurens’ 267 total yards.
Our Indians will again be at home this Friday, September 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. against Appling County. Our boys will need every seat filled for this game against our former region foe. Please come out and support our Indians.
The Dodge County Indian football team played their first home game Friday night at Memorial Stadium (John Peacock Field) against class (AAAA) power West Laurens High School. This game would be played with the uncertainty of what part, if any, former hurricane Harvey would have on the game. Flashback to last season…Hurricane Hermine, Dodge County vs. West Laurens, at West Laurens in a sloppy, wet defensive battle. That game came down to a last-minute Cam Coleman interception that got the Indians in position for a short game-winning field goal with under a minute to go. Dodge would win 3-0.
Now it’s 2017, and with “Harvey” looming close by, what would this year’s version of the Hurricane Bowl bring?
At the start of the game, there would be a moment for the large crowd to remember and reflect on the people of South Texas during this difficult time, following the devastation dealt to them from Hurricane Harvey.
Dodge County would win the toss, and, as usual, would defer to the second half. Peyton Bush would kick the ball off into the end zone for a touchback, as the Raiders of West Laurens would start things off at their own 20-yard line. The Raiders began moving the ball until, on a crucial third down and 12 play, Raider quarterback A.J. Mathis would roll out to his right, looking down field for an open receiver, when Tyler Ruffin (#45) delivered a bone-jarring hit to the young QB that left him a little dazed and confused. West Laurens would have to punt to Dodge.
Dodge would waste little time, and after a short drive, R.J. Carr (#2) would race 45 yards for the game’s first score. Bush would come in and add the extra point, and Dodge was in business 7-0.
After another kickoff into the end zone by Bush, West Laurens would try again from their own 20-yard line. The Dodge defense would again prove tough, as Jadin Johnson (#35), Tyler Montford (#5) and Vincent “Big Country” Mann (#65) were too much for the Raiders, and again they would have to punt the ball back to Indians.
Dodge would take over at its own 40-yard line, and only manage to move the ball to mid-field before the offense began to sputter and lose yardage. Bush would be called on to punt the ball back to the Raiders. Bush took a low snap and dropped the ball, picked it up and kicked it; however, the Raider defense was all over the punter, and the kick was blocked and scooped up by Alex Demmons (#20). Demmons ran the ball in for a West Laurens touchdown. Raider kicker, Andrew Dukes (#32) would come in to kick the extra point, but it would sail wide-right and Dodge would hang on to a 7-6 lead.
The Indians would get the ball back with less than a minute to go in the first quarter. The Indians would move the ball out to their own 45-yard line, which included a fake punt on a third and 19 play, before having to punt the ball back to the Raiders. Four plays later, West Laurens found Tyrus Reed (#8) open. Reed made a Dodge defender miss on the moist field, and Reed took off down the field for another Raider touchdown. This time the extra point was good and West Laurens grabbed the lead 13-7 with about eight minutes left in the half.
Both teams would struggle offensively and trade punts until, with just over four minutes left, Erin Pitts (#27) would break free and streak down the field before being caught from behind at the West Laurens 21-yard line. It was at this point in the game, three minutes, 57 seconds left in the half, that the game was stopped due to lightning in the area.
Tropical Storm Harvey was making his presence felt and the delay would last two hours before play resumed. Due to the new rule by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), all games much be completed, if at all possible, or the schools will be fined. Games can be finished the same day or finished on the next feasible day. After a brief inspection of the field, it was decided to finish the game that night.
Dodge would have the ball first and ten at the West Laurens 21-yard line with three minutes 57 seconds to go in the half. Dodge would only be able to move the ball to the 10-yard line before deciding to kick a field goal. Bush would come in, and with wet field conditions, long snapper Alex Horne (#52) and holder Noah Cummings (#16) did a great job of handling the snap and hold. The kick was good and the score was now 13-10, with West Laurens still leading. The half would end with no other scoring and the Indians and Raiders would head back to the locker room.
The seconds half would start with the Raiders kicking off to Dodge. After a good return to the Indians 40-yard line, the offense would set up shop and move the all into Raider territory before stalling at the West Laurens 25-yard line. Again, Bush (#19) was called on to try a 42-yard field goal and once again, the field goal unit would execute and the kick was good, tying the game.
The score was 13-13 with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter. Bush would kick the ball off for the third time in the end zone, pinning the Raiders back at their own 20-yard line.
Both defenses would play tough for most of the third quarter until, with about two minutes left in the third, Carr (#2) would break free for a 30-yard touchdown run. Bush’s extra point was good, and the Indians were back on top 20-13. The third quarter would end with no further scoring.
West Laurens would punt the ball to Dodge to start the fourth quarter, and with about 11 minutes left in the game, Nick Cummings (#11)would make a spectacular 65-yard run for another Dodge County touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good and Dodge now led 26-13.
After another Dodge kickoff, West Laurens would again turn to the pass and moved the ball quickly out to around mid-field. The Raiders continued to move the ball and found themselves inside the Dodge 20-yard line. With about six minutes left in the contest, West Laurens running back Doryan Gorham (#6) thrust himself through the middle and trotted in from nine yards out. The point after was good and the score was now 26-20 in favor of the Indians. Again, both defenses would stiffen and trade possessions, until the Dodge defense came up with a big fumble recovery on the Raiders’ 31-yard line. With less than a minute to go in the game, the Indians could now run out the clock for win number two.
Dodge finished the night with 313 yards rushing to West Laurens’ 38 total rushing yards. Dodge had only eight total passing yards, compared to the Raiders’ 229 yards. Dodge had the edge in total offense with 321 total yards to West Laurens’ 267 total yards.
Our Indians will again be at home this Friday, September 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. against Appling County. Our boys will need every seat filled for this game against our former region foe. Please come out and support our Indians.
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