By Russ Ragan
Over the weekend, Dodge High Lady Indian Softball seniors Julianna Bellflower and Sara Lann were selected to the 2017 Georgia Dugout Club All-State team.
Both have had huge seasons, helping to lead the Lady Indians to the Elite 8 this weekend in Columbus.
Bellflower is hitting .500 out of the leadoff spot. She leads the team with a .611 on-base percentage.
She also leads the team in runs scored with 41 and 23 walks.
Lann also has a .500 batting average and she leads the team with 41 runs batted in and 14 doubles.
Her .659 slugging percentage is also tops on the team.
Coach Jennifer Bellflower’s commented on her two all-stars, “Julianna has been a leader both offensively and defensively this year! Sara has pounded on the ball this season. Super proud for both of these senior Lady Indians.”
Sports - Topics from October, 2017
Lady Indians to compete in state for Elite 8
By Russ Ragan
Despite making things a little interesting, the Dodge High Lady Indians Softball team has advanced to the Elite 8 in back-to-back years. They won the third and deciding game 13-0 on Thursday, after splitting a double-header against Vidalia on Wednesday winning 9-0 in game one, and then they lost by a tough 2-1 score in game two.
The Lady Indians, now 23-6 on the year, will now advance to Columbus for a Thursday date with top ranked Rockmart. The Lady Jackets are 31-2 on the year. If you recall, the Lady Indians drew top ranked Vidalia, who entered Columbus undefeated and were beat by Dodge 4-0. I expect the 3:00 p.m. Thursday matchup to be a great game.
Back to game one last Wednesday against Vidalia. The early points of the game were all about pitching and missed opportunities for both teams. Jade Dowdy got the start for the Lady Indians on the mound. She had six strikeouts through the first three innings.
Vidalia, also the Lady Indians, had three hits and a walk, but they left all four runners on base. Dodge also had their early chances. They left six in the first three innings, including the bases loaded in the third.
The Dodge offense got things going in the bottom of the fourth. Hailey Hickman and Amber Maxwell both reached on errors.
A sacrifice bunt by Jenna Hickman and a four-pitch walk to Julianna Bellflower would load the bases with one out.
Jade Dowdy would get Dodge on the board with a single that would score Hailey Hickman and Maxwell for a 2-0 lead.
A sacrifice fly from Aniyah Black would plate Bellflower, and a single by Abby Manning would score Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, and the Dodge lead would be 4-0.
Jade Dowdy would get an easy fifth, and Dodge would get right back to work in the bottom of the inning.
Sara Lann would lead off with a single, and she would score, as Hailey Hickman’s single would be booted and the Dodge lead would be 5-0. Hailey Hickman would score on a wild pitch for a 6-0 game. Maxwell would walk and steal second. She would score on a single by Jenna Hickman for a 7-0 Dodge lead. With two out, Jade Dowdy would hit a deep blast to left that would be a walk-off homer and a 9-0 Dodge win. Jade Dowdy was four for four, with four runs batted in (RBIs) in game one.
Vidalia would be the home team in game two. Linzy Bowen would get the start on the mound for Dodge. She would strike out the side in the first.
Dodge would get the offense started in the top of the second. Manning would single to lead off the inning. She would score on a one-out single from Lann, and Dodge would have a 1-0 lead.
The game would stay 1-0 for quite a while, despite the Dodge Lady Indians having ten hits and three walks. Bowen, meanwhile, on the mound, pitched really well, as she allowed only two hits and two walks through six innings.
Unfortunately, the game would get away from Dodge, as Vidalia would tie things up in the seventh and win it in the eighth, and game three would be forced after a tough 2-1 Dodge loss.
Vidalia would win the postgame toss, so they would be the home team in game three.
Jade Dowdy would be the starting pitcher for Dodge. There would be no score after the first, as Jade Dowdy had an easy inning.
Dodge would take advantage of a couple of Vidalia errors. Jacey Dowdy would lead off with a double and she would be replaced by the speedy Europe Brown. Lann would reach on an error to put runners on the corners with nobody out.
Hailey Hickman would give Dodge the lead on a sacrifice fly for a 1-0 game. A two-out single from Bellflower would score Lann for a 2-0 game.
That brought Jade Dowdy to the plate and once again, she hit a bomb to deep left over the fence, and suddenly, Dodge was in control with a 5-0 lead.
After a quick bottom of the second from Jade Dowdy, Dodge would increase their lead in the third.
Manning would lead off the inning by reaching on an error.
That brought up Jacey Dowdy, and she hit a screaming line drive that banged into the left field fence on the fly, and runners would be at second and third.
A sacrifice fly by Lann would score Manning for a 6-0 lead.
Vidalia would lead off the bottom of the third with a single.
It would be short lived, as Dodge would turn a beautiful double play from Black and Bellflower. Vidalia then tried out third baseman, Manning in the fourth and fifth innings. They would have no luck, as she handled all four chances without a problem and we go to the sixth with a 6-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge would hit for a while in the top of the sixth. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off, and she went to second on a single by Bellflower. A single from Jade Dowdy would score Jenna Hickman for 7-0 game.
It would be the second four-RBI game in the series for her. Aniyah Black would single home Bellflower, and the lead would reach 8-0.
Manning would reach on an error, and that would score Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy.
Lann would follow-up with a hit that would score Black and Manning for a 10-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge would finish things off with RBI hits from Jenna Hickman and Bellflower that would give Dodge a 13-0 lead.
The hit would be the fourth of the day for Bellflower.
Jade Dowdy would close out the game in style, as she struck out the side for the 13-0 final. She pitched a great game, allowing only three hits and striking out six.
So, it is off to Columbus, and it promises to be quite a ride.
The Lady Indians are scheduled to meet Rockmart Thursday, October 26, 2017.
After the game, head coach Jennifer Bellflower commented, “Back-to-back region championships and trips to the Elite 8 isn’t enough for this Lady Indian team. We are out for hardware.
The team has realized that at every game, they must make a statement! We’ve had to prove to everyone that we are deserving and that we are willing to do whatever it takes to be on top!”
Despite making things a little interesting, the Dodge High Lady Indians Softball team has advanced to the Elite 8 in back-to-back years. They won the third and deciding game 13-0 on Thursday, after splitting a double-header against Vidalia on Wednesday winning 9-0 in game one, and then they lost by a tough 2-1 score in game two.
The Lady Indians, now 23-6 on the year, will now advance to Columbus for a Thursday date with top ranked Rockmart. The Lady Jackets are 31-2 on the year. If you recall, the Lady Indians drew top ranked Vidalia, who entered Columbus undefeated and were beat by Dodge 4-0. I expect the 3:00 p.m. Thursday matchup to be a great game.
Back to game one last Wednesday against Vidalia. The early points of the game were all about pitching and missed opportunities for both teams. Jade Dowdy got the start for the Lady Indians on the mound. She had six strikeouts through the first three innings.
Vidalia, also the Lady Indians, had three hits and a walk, but they left all four runners on base. Dodge also had their early chances. They left six in the first three innings, including the bases loaded in the third.
The Dodge offense got things going in the bottom of the fourth. Hailey Hickman and Amber Maxwell both reached on errors.
A sacrifice bunt by Jenna Hickman and a four-pitch walk to Julianna Bellflower would load the bases with one out.
Jade Dowdy would get Dodge on the board with a single that would score Hailey Hickman and Maxwell for a 2-0 lead.
A sacrifice fly from Aniyah Black would plate Bellflower, and a single by Abby Manning would score Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, and the Dodge lead would be 4-0.
Jade Dowdy would get an easy fifth, and Dodge would get right back to work in the bottom of the inning.
Sara Lann would lead off with a single, and she would score, as Hailey Hickman’s single would be booted and the Dodge lead would be 5-0. Hailey Hickman would score on a wild pitch for a 6-0 game. Maxwell would walk and steal second. She would score on a single by Jenna Hickman for a 7-0 Dodge lead. With two out, Jade Dowdy would hit a deep blast to left that would be a walk-off homer and a 9-0 Dodge win. Jade Dowdy was four for four, with four runs batted in (RBIs) in game one.
Vidalia would be the home team in game two. Linzy Bowen would get the start on the mound for Dodge. She would strike out the side in the first.
Dodge would get the offense started in the top of the second. Manning would single to lead off the inning. She would score on a one-out single from Lann, and Dodge would have a 1-0 lead.
The game would stay 1-0 for quite a while, despite the Dodge Lady Indians having ten hits and three walks. Bowen, meanwhile, on the mound, pitched really well, as she allowed only two hits and two walks through six innings.
Unfortunately, the game would get away from Dodge, as Vidalia would tie things up in the seventh and win it in the eighth, and game three would be forced after a tough 2-1 Dodge loss.
Vidalia would win the postgame toss, so they would be the home team in game three.
Jade Dowdy would be the starting pitcher for Dodge. There would be no score after the first, as Jade Dowdy had an easy inning.
Dodge would take advantage of a couple of Vidalia errors. Jacey Dowdy would lead off with a double and she would be replaced by the speedy Europe Brown. Lann would reach on an error to put runners on the corners with nobody out.
Hailey Hickman would give Dodge the lead on a sacrifice fly for a 1-0 game. A two-out single from Bellflower would score Lann for a 2-0 game.
That brought Jade Dowdy to the plate and once again, she hit a bomb to deep left over the fence, and suddenly, Dodge was in control with a 5-0 lead.
After a quick bottom of the second from Jade Dowdy, Dodge would increase their lead in the third.
Manning would lead off the inning by reaching on an error.
That brought up Jacey Dowdy, and she hit a screaming line drive that banged into the left field fence on the fly, and runners would be at second and third.
A sacrifice fly by Lann would score Manning for a 6-0 lead.
Vidalia would lead off the bottom of the third with a single.
It would be short lived, as Dodge would turn a beautiful double play from Black and Bellflower. Vidalia then tried out third baseman, Manning in the fourth and fifth innings. They would have no luck, as she handled all four chances without a problem and we go to the sixth with a 6-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge would hit for a while in the top of the sixth. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off, and she went to second on a single by Bellflower. A single from Jade Dowdy would score Jenna Hickman for 7-0 game.
It would be the second four-RBI game in the series for her. Aniyah Black would single home Bellflower, and the lead would reach 8-0.
Manning would reach on an error, and that would score Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy.
Lann would follow-up with a hit that would score Black and Manning for a 10-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge would finish things off with RBI hits from Jenna Hickman and Bellflower that would give Dodge a 13-0 lead.
The hit would be the fourth of the day for Bellflower.
Jade Dowdy would close out the game in style, as she struck out the side for the 13-0 final. She pitched a great game, allowing only three hits and striking out six.
So, it is off to Columbus, and it promises to be quite a ride.
The Lady Indians are scheduled to meet Rockmart Thursday, October 26, 2017.
After the game, head coach Jennifer Bellflower commented, “Back-to-back region championships and trips to the Elite 8 isn’t enough for this Lady Indian team. We are out for hardware.
The team has realized that at every game, they must make a statement! We’ve had to prove to everyone that we are deserving and that we are willing to do whatever it takes to be on top!”
Dodge clips the Falcons’ wings 54-7
By David Bush
Homecoming 2017 is in the books. Congratulations to Gabby Hall, Dodge County High School 2017 homecoming queen and all the wonderful young ladies on this year’s homecoming court.
Our Dodge County Indians were looking to go 8-0 on the season and 5-0 in region play against the Falcons of East Laurens High School. The Falcons were winless coming into this game and facing an undefeated Dodge County team who were heavily favored to win this game. Games like this one make me nervous, because sometimes, the stronger team doesn’t take the lesser team seriously, and bad things happen, i.e. Clemson vs. Syracuse or LSU vs. Troy just this year in college football.
All week long, the Dodge coaching staff harped on focus. Focus on East Laurens and that game only.
To start the game, Dodge County won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. Dodge County kicker Peyton Bush kicked off to the East Laurens 12-yard line, where the Falcons returned the ball 11 yards to their own 23.
On the first play from scrimmage, the East Laurens quarterback dropped back to pass, and fired the ball across the middle where linebacker Tyler Ruffin was waiting. Ruffin intercepted the ball and returned it to the original line of scrimmage. From there, the Indians were in business, first and ten at the Falcon 23-yard line. Four plays later, quarterback Nick Cummings strolled into the end zone for the first Dodge County touchdown. Bush came in to kick the extra point and with ten minutes, 30 seconds left in the first quarter, Dodge led 7-0.
The Falcons then returned the Bush kickoff to their own 30-yard line. East Laurens managed to get one first down on this drive, before the Dodge County defense began to manhandle the Falcon offense and force a punting situation. On fourth and 20, the Falcons punted to the Indians’ 43-yard line where the Dodge County offense would take over.
The Dodge offense could only scrounge up five yards on the series and would have to punt the ball right back. Bush came in to punt and boomed the ball down inside the 10-yard line, but the ball managed to roll into the end zone before anyone could down it.
The Falcons got the ball out at their own 20, but the Indian defense would prove to be too much, and after three plays, were punting back to Dodge.
The Indians took over at their own 33-yard line. Junior running back R.J. Carr carried the ball on five consecutive plays and the Indians were inside the ten. On second and six, Nick Cummings faked the handoff to Carr and ran it in for the second score of the night. Bush tacked on the extra point and Dodge was up 14-0 with two minutes, 20 seconds left in the first quarter.
After another Bush kickoff, the Falcon offense tried again to get past the tough Dodge County defense. The result was the same. After three plays and moving backwards, it was time for the Falcons to punt again.
Erin Pitts received the punt at the Dodge County 47-yard line. Dodge wasted little time getting down the field. In five plays, including a 38-yard pass completion to Erin Pitts, the Indians were back in the end zone. This time, Carr carried the ball in from three yards out. The point after by Bush was true and the Indians were rolling 21-0 with still 11 minutes, 20 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The next Bush kickoff went into the end zone for a touchback, and the Falcons would have to start from their own 20-yard line. The suffocating defense of Dodge continued to frustrate the East Laurens offense. The Falcons lost four yards on three plays and again punted to Dodge. The punt was short and went out of bounds at the East Laurens 42-yard line.
On the first play, Nick Cummings hit Erin Pitts in stride, going down the middle of the field, for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Bush added the point after, and the lead was now 28-0 with eight minutes, 53 seconds to go in the second quarter. Again, Bush’s kickoff found its way into the end zone for a touchback and again the Falcons would have to start deep in their own territory.
The Indian defense picked up right where they left off and forced another punt. This time the East Laurens punter got his foot into the ball and drove our return man back, and a fumble resulted.
East Laurens pounced on the loose ball down at the Dodge County 33-yard line. East Laurens, finally down in Dodge County territory, still could not break through that solid Indian defense. The Falcons turned the ball over on downs at the Dodge County 27-yard line. Thanks to the offensive line, blowing open holes wide enough for a tank to drive through, and some strong running from Nick Cummings, Carr, and Pitts, the Indians would score again in just four plays. Carr burst through the line and outran everyone to the end zone from 27 yards out. Bush connected on the extra point and the Indians were now up 35-0 with three minutes, ten seconds to go in the second quarter.
After another touchback on the ensuing kickoff by Bush, the Falcons found themselves back in familiar territory, their own 20. The defense forced another three and out punt situation, and Pitts had a nice return. Pitts brought the ball all the way back to the Falcon 26-yard line. Freshman Daylon Gordon ran the ball down to the 11-yard line, where it was first and ten with just 20.9 seconds left in the half.
Bush was called in to attempt a 28-yard field goal. Bush booted the ball through the uprights and the Indians led 38-0.
[Full Story »]
Homecoming 2017 is in the books. Congratulations to Gabby Hall, Dodge County High School 2017 homecoming queen and all the wonderful young ladies on this year’s homecoming court.
Our Dodge County Indians were looking to go 8-0 on the season and 5-0 in region play against the Falcons of East Laurens High School. The Falcons were winless coming into this game and facing an undefeated Dodge County team who were heavily favored to win this game. Games like this one make me nervous, because sometimes, the stronger team doesn’t take the lesser team seriously, and bad things happen, i.e. Clemson vs. Syracuse or LSU vs. Troy just this year in college football.
All week long, the Dodge coaching staff harped on focus. Focus on East Laurens and that game only.
To start the game, Dodge County won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. Dodge County kicker Peyton Bush kicked off to the East Laurens 12-yard line, where the Falcons returned the ball 11 yards to their own 23.
On the first play from scrimmage, the East Laurens quarterback dropped back to pass, and fired the ball across the middle where linebacker Tyler Ruffin was waiting. Ruffin intercepted the ball and returned it to the original line of scrimmage. From there, the Indians were in business, first and ten at the Falcon 23-yard line. Four plays later, quarterback Nick Cummings strolled into the end zone for the first Dodge County touchdown. Bush came in to kick the extra point and with ten minutes, 30 seconds left in the first quarter, Dodge led 7-0.
The Falcons then returned the Bush kickoff to their own 30-yard line. East Laurens managed to get one first down on this drive, before the Dodge County defense began to manhandle the Falcon offense and force a punting situation. On fourth and 20, the Falcons punted to the Indians’ 43-yard line where the Dodge County offense would take over.
The Dodge offense could only scrounge up five yards on the series and would have to punt the ball right back. Bush came in to punt and boomed the ball down inside the 10-yard line, but the ball managed to roll into the end zone before anyone could down it.
The Falcons got the ball out at their own 20, but the Indian defense would prove to be too much, and after three plays, were punting back to Dodge.
The Indians took over at their own 33-yard line. Junior running back R.J. Carr carried the ball on five consecutive plays and the Indians were inside the ten. On second and six, Nick Cummings faked the handoff to Carr and ran it in for the second score of the night. Bush tacked on the extra point and Dodge was up 14-0 with two minutes, 20 seconds left in the first quarter.
After another Bush kickoff, the Falcon offense tried again to get past the tough Dodge County defense. The result was the same. After three plays and moving backwards, it was time for the Falcons to punt again.
Erin Pitts received the punt at the Dodge County 47-yard line. Dodge wasted little time getting down the field. In five plays, including a 38-yard pass completion to Erin Pitts, the Indians were back in the end zone. This time, Carr carried the ball in from three yards out. The point after by Bush was true and the Indians were rolling 21-0 with still 11 minutes, 20 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The next Bush kickoff went into the end zone for a touchback, and the Falcons would have to start from their own 20-yard line. The suffocating defense of Dodge continued to frustrate the East Laurens offense. The Falcons lost four yards on three plays and again punted to Dodge. The punt was short and went out of bounds at the East Laurens 42-yard line.
On the first play, Nick Cummings hit Erin Pitts in stride, going down the middle of the field, for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Bush added the point after, and the lead was now 28-0 with eight minutes, 53 seconds to go in the second quarter. Again, Bush’s kickoff found its way into the end zone for a touchback and again the Falcons would have to start deep in their own territory.
The Indian defense picked up right where they left off and forced another punt. This time the East Laurens punter got his foot into the ball and drove our return man back, and a fumble resulted.
East Laurens pounced on the loose ball down at the Dodge County 33-yard line. East Laurens, finally down in Dodge County territory, still could not break through that solid Indian defense. The Falcons turned the ball over on downs at the Dodge County 27-yard line. Thanks to the offensive line, blowing open holes wide enough for a tank to drive through, and some strong running from Nick Cummings, Carr, and Pitts, the Indians would score again in just four plays. Carr burst through the line and outran everyone to the end zone from 27 yards out. Bush connected on the extra point and the Indians were now up 35-0 with three minutes, ten seconds to go in the second quarter.
After another touchback on the ensuing kickoff by Bush, the Falcons found themselves back in familiar territory, their own 20. The defense forced another three and out punt situation, and Pitts had a nice return. Pitts brought the ball all the way back to the Falcon 26-yard line. Freshman Daylon Gordon ran the ball down to the 11-yard line, where it was first and ten with just 20.9 seconds left in the half.
Bush was called in to attempt a 28-yard field goal. Bush booted the ball through the uprights and the Indians led 38-0.
[Full Story »]
Lady Warriors split two in regular season
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors wrapped up their softball season recently with a win and a loss. The Lady Warriors split their final pair of regular season games, as they beat Swainsboro 4-2, and they dropped a 6-5 decision to West Laurens.
In the tournament first round, Dodge defeated East Laurens 13-1. In the semi-finals, they dropped a 9-5 decision to the Lady Raiders.
Here is a rundown of the statistics from those final games.
In the game against Swainsboro, Dylana Barton was one for four with a triple and a run scored; Brooke Perdue was one for three, one run batted in (RBI) and she was the winning pitcher in the game; Annie Jones was one for three with a triple; Jayci Yawn was one for three with a run scored; Ava Rowland had a walk and a run scored; Reagan Boney was two for three with three RBIs and Skye Meadows was one for three with an RBI.
In the game against West Laurens, Perdue had an RBI; Jones had an RBI; Makiyah Roberson was three for three with two runs scored and an RBI; Rowland had two RBIs; Yawn was two for three with one RBI and Ava Maxwell had a walk and a run scored.
In the game against East Laurens, Barton was one for three with three runs scored and three RBIs; Perdue was one for one with three walks, two runs scored and the winning pitcher in the game; Jones was one for three with two runs scored; Roberson was one for two with a walk and two runs scored; Rowland was one for one with two runs scored and two walks; JaiunaVae Patillo was one for two and Meadows had two walks and a run scored.
Versus West Laurens, Perdue was one for four; Roberson was two for four with three runs scored; Rowland was two for two with two walks; Patillo had an RBI; Meadows was two for three with an RBI and Boney had an RBI.
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors wrapped up their softball season recently with a win and a loss. The Lady Warriors split their final pair of regular season games, as they beat Swainsboro 4-2, and they dropped a 6-5 decision to West Laurens.
In the tournament first round, Dodge defeated East Laurens 13-1. In the semi-finals, they dropped a 9-5 decision to the Lady Raiders.
Here is a rundown of the statistics from those final games.
In the game against Swainsboro, Dylana Barton was one for four with a triple and a run scored; Brooke Perdue was one for three, one run batted in (RBI) and she was the winning pitcher in the game; Annie Jones was one for three with a triple; Jayci Yawn was one for three with a run scored; Ava Rowland had a walk and a run scored; Reagan Boney was two for three with three RBIs and Skye Meadows was one for three with an RBI.
In the game against West Laurens, Perdue had an RBI; Jones had an RBI; Makiyah Roberson was three for three with two runs scored and an RBI; Rowland had two RBIs; Yawn was two for three with one RBI and Ava Maxwell had a walk and a run scored.
In the game against East Laurens, Barton was one for three with three runs scored and three RBIs; Perdue was one for one with three walks, two runs scored and the winning pitcher in the game; Jones was one for three with two runs scored; Roberson was one for two with a walk and two runs scored; Rowland was one for one with two runs scored and two walks; JaiunaVae Patillo was one for two and Meadows had two walks and a run scored.
Versus West Laurens, Perdue was one for four; Roberson was two for four with three runs scored; Rowland was two for two with two walks; Patillo had an RBI; Meadows was two for three with an RBI and Boney had an RBI.
Lady Indians take two wins
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge County High Lady Indians continued on their quest to reach Columbus and to the elite eight, as they hosted Westside of Augusta last Wednesday.
The Lady Indians had little problems as they rolled to 12-0 and 10-0 wins. Both games were one-hitters by pitchers Jade Dowdy and Linzy Bowen.
This week, the Lady Indians welcome a familiar foe in Vidalia. Last year, Dodge beat Vidalia 3-0 in the quarterfinals in Columbus to wreck their perfect season. Vidalia would eventually beat Dodge 2-1 in the semifinals to end the Lady Indians season.
This year, Vidalia enters the game with a 13-14 record. The doubleheader will be Wednesday with starting times of 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Eastman.
Jade Dowdy got the call on the mound in game one for Dodge. She allowed a single and hit a batter with one out in the first. She would get out of the inning on a comebacker to the mound.
Julianna Belflower walked to lead off the Dodge first. She would steal second and third with one out.
Aniyah Black would hit a line drive well over the fence in left centerfield, and Dodge took a 2-0 lead. Both teams failed to score in the second, and Dowdy had an easy top of the third.
Dodge got back to work in the bottom of the third. With one out, it would be Black once more. She hit a high, deep drive down the line in left that just snuck inside the foul pole, and the Dodge lead reached 3-0. Abby Manning and Jacey Dowdy would follow up with singles.
That brought up first baseman, Sara Lann. The senior would deliver a double that scored Manning and Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and that gave Dodge a 5-0 lead going into the fourth. Jade Dowdy would have a really easy fourth, as she retired the side on just eight pitches. She had retired the last 11 straight without allowing the ball to get out of the infield.
Dodge went to work in the bottom of the fourth. Bellflower would double to lead off, and she would to go to third on a single by Jade Dowdy.
A wild pitch would score Bellflower for a 6-0 Dodge lead. Singles by Black and Manning would be their third hits in the game and would load the bases for Jacey Dowdy. She would score a pair for a 9-0 Dodge lead.
A single by Lann would stretch the lead to 10-0. Dodge would have Lann at third and Hailey Hickman at second with nobody out. A wild pitch would score Lann, an error would plate Hailey Hickman, and Dodge would take game one 12-0.
Dodge would be the visiting team in game two. The Lady Indians went to work with one out. A single by Jade Dowdy and a wild pitch got her to second.
Black would strike again, this time with a double, and that would give Dodge a 1-0 lead. Freshman Bowen got the call on the mound in game two. She would have an easy first with a pair of fly balls and a strikeout.
Dodge would add to the lead in the second and third. With two out, Jenna Hickman would single to center and would score on a double to left by Bellflower, and the Dodge lead would go to 3-0.
Bowen would work out of her only real jam of the game in the third. She allowed a one-out walk, and she hit a batter. A popup and strikeout would end the inning, and Dodge would still lead 3-0.
Dodge would increase the lead in the top of the fifth. Bellflower would lead off with a walk.
She would advance to third on a bunt by Jade Dowdy, as Westside did not cover third. Bellflower would score on a wild pitch, and the lead would be 4-0.
Bowen would allow her only hit of the game on a blooper to left with one out. A groundout and a strikeout would end the inning.
The Dodge offense came alive in the top of the sixth. The Dodge bench had a big influence, and it would come from three freshmen. Gracie Lewis, freshman number one, lead off the inning with a single.
Lann doubled to left center to put runners at second and third. With one out, freshman number two, Logan White, would double to the gap in right center, and that scored Europe Brown, running for Lewis, and Lann for a 6-0 lead. Sydney Powell, freshman number three, would single home White for a 7-0 lead. Bellflower would single, and runners would reach second and third after an error.
Jade Dowdy would double that would score Powell and Bellflower for a 9-0 lead. Black would wrap up the six-run inning with a single that scored Jade Dowdy for a 10-0 lead. Black had a big day with a single five hits and five runs batted in.
Bowen breezed through the bottom of the sixth, as she got the side out on only four pitches in the 10-0 win.
Wednesday, there should be some great action, so come out and see it.
The Dodge County High Lady Indians continued on their quest to reach Columbus and to the elite eight, as they hosted Westside of Augusta last Wednesday.
The Lady Indians had little problems as they rolled to 12-0 and 10-0 wins. Both games were one-hitters by pitchers Jade Dowdy and Linzy Bowen.
This week, the Lady Indians welcome a familiar foe in Vidalia. Last year, Dodge beat Vidalia 3-0 in the quarterfinals in Columbus to wreck their perfect season. Vidalia would eventually beat Dodge 2-1 in the semifinals to end the Lady Indians season.
This year, Vidalia enters the game with a 13-14 record. The doubleheader will be Wednesday with starting times of 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Eastman.
Jade Dowdy got the call on the mound in game one for Dodge. She allowed a single and hit a batter with one out in the first. She would get out of the inning on a comebacker to the mound.
Julianna Belflower walked to lead off the Dodge first. She would steal second and third with one out.
Aniyah Black would hit a line drive well over the fence in left centerfield, and Dodge took a 2-0 lead. Both teams failed to score in the second, and Dowdy had an easy top of the third.
Dodge got back to work in the bottom of the third. With one out, it would be Black once more. She hit a high, deep drive down the line in left that just snuck inside the foul pole, and the Dodge lead reached 3-0. Abby Manning and Jacey Dowdy would follow up with singles.
That brought up first baseman, Sara Lann. The senior would deliver a double that scored Manning and Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and that gave Dodge a 5-0 lead going into the fourth. Jade Dowdy would have a really easy fourth, as she retired the side on just eight pitches. She had retired the last 11 straight without allowing the ball to get out of the infield.
Dodge went to work in the bottom of the fourth. Bellflower would double to lead off, and she would to go to third on a single by Jade Dowdy.
A wild pitch would score Bellflower for a 6-0 Dodge lead. Singles by Black and Manning would be their third hits in the game and would load the bases for Jacey Dowdy. She would score a pair for a 9-0 Dodge lead.
A single by Lann would stretch the lead to 10-0. Dodge would have Lann at third and Hailey Hickman at second with nobody out. A wild pitch would score Lann, an error would plate Hailey Hickman, and Dodge would take game one 12-0.
Dodge would be the visiting team in game two. The Lady Indians went to work with one out. A single by Jade Dowdy and a wild pitch got her to second.
Black would strike again, this time with a double, and that would give Dodge a 1-0 lead. Freshman Bowen got the call on the mound in game two. She would have an easy first with a pair of fly balls and a strikeout.
Dodge would add to the lead in the second and third. With two out, Jenna Hickman would single to center and would score on a double to left by Bellflower, and the Dodge lead would go to 3-0.
Bowen would work out of her only real jam of the game in the third. She allowed a one-out walk, and she hit a batter. A popup and strikeout would end the inning, and Dodge would still lead 3-0.
Dodge would increase the lead in the top of the fifth. Bellflower would lead off with a walk.
She would advance to third on a bunt by Jade Dowdy, as Westside did not cover third. Bellflower would score on a wild pitch, and the lead would be 4-0.
Bowen would allow her only hit of the game on a blooper to left with one out. A groundout and a strikeout would end the inning.
The Dodge offense came alive in the top of the sixth. The Dodge bench had a big influence, and it would come from three freshmen. Gracie Lewis, freshman number one, lead off the inning with a single.
Lann doubled to left center to put runners at second and third. With one out, freshman number two, Logan White, would double to the gap in right center, and that scored Europe Brown, running for Lewis, and Lann for a 6-0 lead. Sydney Powell, freshman number three, would single home White for a 7-0 lead. Bellflower would single, and runners would reach second and third after an error.
Jade Dowdy would double that would score Powell and Bellflower for a 9-0 lead. Black would wrap up the six-run inning with a single that scored Jade Dowdy for a 10-0 lead. Black had a big day with a single five hits and five runs batted in.
Bowen breezed through the bottom of the sixth, as she got the side out on only four pitches in the 10-0 win.
Wednesday, there should be some great action, so come out and see it.
Indians tear down ‘House of Pain’ 42-7
By David Bush
Last Friday night saw a huge region 3AA matchup between our undefeated Dodge County Indians and the Washington County Golden Hawks. The game would be played in Sandersville at the infamous “House of Pain.”
The Indians seemed to have a remedy in mind for “House of Pain,” as they brought with them a big dose of Dodge County defense and multiple shots of Indian offense, which they administered all night long.
Dodge County won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. Peyton Bush would get things started by kicking off to the Golden Hawks and Dyquan Bloodsaw.
Yes, that’s his real name, and man, is he scary with the ball. Bloodsaw was last year’s special teams player of the year for our region with many kickoffs and punts returned for touchdowns.
Bush’s kick went to the 5-yard line, and Bloodsaw returned the ball to the Washington County (Waco) 29-yard line.
The Golden Hawks would start there and move the ball all the way down to the Dodge County 32-yard line, before they got their first dose of the powerful Indian defense. Thanks to a Noah Wilcox sack and several hurried pass attempts that failed to find their mark, Waco turned the ball over to Dodge on downs.
Dodge took over at their own 37-yard line but couldn’t get things going and had to punt the ball back to the Golden Hawks. Bush was able to punt the ball down to the Waco 16-yard line without a return from Bloodsaw.
On the next Golden Hawk possession, Waco began to move the ball, picking up a first down before the second dose of Indian defense was delivered when Keshawn Smokes came up with a big interception to give the Indians a first and ten at the Waco 40-yard line.
On the next play, the offensive line, a.k.a. the Dodge County Demolition Crew, blasted a hole through the Golden Hawk defense, and R.J. Carr burst through and sprinted 40 yards for the first Dodge County touchdown. Bush would come in and kick the point after and with four minutes, 59 seconds to go in the first quarter, Dodge had the lead 7-0.
On the following kickoff, Bush kicked the ball to the Waco 3-yard line, and Bloodsaw took it all the way back to the 32-yard line.
The Golden Hawks were unable to get anything going however, as Jadin Johnson sacked the quarterback on first down and Tyler Ruffin almost intercepted a pass on third down. Ruffin’s pass break-up brought up a fourth and 16 punting situation for Waco.
The Golden Hawks punted the ball to Erin Pitts, who fair caught the ball, standing at his own 35-yard line.
On this possession, the Indians wasted little time, covering 65 yards in six plays before quarterback Nick Cummings ran it in from 8 yards out for another Indian touchdown. The point after by Bush was good and Dodge was off and running 14-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, Bush kicked it to the 4-yard line, but the dangerous kick-returner brought the ball all the way out to the 40-yard line before having to be brought down by Bush and Noah Cummings.
Washington County would get another dose of the Indian defense and have to punt again.
Dodge took over at their own 21-yard line and were able to push the ball up to their own 47-yard line before, they too, would have to punt. Punter Bush launched a booming 46-yard kick over Bloodsaw’s head, and the ball checked up and rolled sideways out of bounds at the Waco 7-yard line.
Pinned deep in their own territory, the Golden Hawks started their next possession. After moving the ball about 20 yards, the Waco offense would run out of steam and be forced to punt again.
The Indians would take over on their own 44-yard line and go to work from there. In only six plays, the Indians would score again, as Erin Pitts carried the ball in from two yards out with five minutes, 23 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The extra point was good, and the score was now 21-0 Dodge County.
On the kickoff, Bush put the ball into the end zone, eliminating the threat of Bloodsaw this time, and forcing Waco to start back at their own 20-yard line.
The Indian defense appeared to have things under control when, on third down and seven, Waco connected on a quick tunnel screen pass to Bloodsaw, who turned that into a long gain before being caught by Jared Cannon at the Dodge County 10-yard line. The Dodge County defense would stiffen, but on fourth and goal from the 7-yard line, Waco would finally connect on a pass play across the middle for their first score of the night.
The extra point was good and the score was now 21-7 Dodge with two minutes, 11 seconds to go in the first half.
On the ensuing kickoff, recovered at the 33-yard line, and after a penalty, the Indians found themselves backed up to their own 19-yard line. The Indian offense sputtered and went three and out, so Dodge punted.
The punt was a short one this time, and Waco was in business at the Dodge 48-yard line. Waco quickly moved the ball down to the Indian 11-yard line. Here, Dodge’s defense would make the stand of the year.
With Waco knocking on the door, first and ten from the 11-yard line and trying to cut the lead to seven before the half, the defense stepped up. Waco attempted four consecutive pass plays trying to score, and each attempt was thwarted, with the last attempt being intercepted on a beautiful grab by KeAnthony Woods.
Woods reached up and snatched the ball out of the sky and drug his feet on the ground as he was falling out of the back of the end zone. The play resulted in a touchback, which gave the Indians possession out at the 20-yard line, instead of the 11-yard line, had he not made the catch.
There, the Dodge County offense was able to run out the first half clock and maintain the 14 point lead.
To start the second half, Washington County would have to kick off to Dodge. Waco would try a squib kick to see if they could catch the Indians off-guard.
The kickoff receiving team handled the kick with no problem, and the offense took over at their own 33-yard line.
The Indian offense came out running with authority, and in only six plays, found themselves in the end zone again when Nick Cummings scored again from five yards out. Bush came in to add the extra point and with nine minutes, 15 seconds left in the third quarter, the score was Dodge 28, Waco 7.
After another kick by Bush down to the 5-yard line, and a Bloodsaw return to the Waco 29-yard line, the Hawks would go three and out, thanks in part, to a Johnson pass deflection. Waco punted back to Dodge.
The Indians were called on back-to-back plays for holding and found themselves first and 20 at their own 20-yard line. On the next play, Dodge coughed up the ball, and Waco recovered the fumble at the Dodge 23.
Waco moved the ball down to the Dodge County 7-yard line and were first and goal, but the stubborn Dodge defense dug in and never let them get any closer.
The Indians took the ball back over on downs, and the offense pushed the ball back out to the Dodge 36-yard line before having to punt their way out of trouble. Bush came in and punted the ball down to the Waco 30-yard line.
On this possession, the Dodge defense was manhandling the Waco offense and on second and nine, Cade Cranford came calling and sacked the quarterback for a three yard loss.
Then, on third and 12, Johnson drilled the quarterback for an eight yard loss to bring up a fourth and 20 punting situation for Waco. The Golden Hawks punter got a good punt off, and the Indians would have to start at their own 35-yard line.
The Indian offense was able to get the ball just past midfield before having to punt back to Waco.
This time Bush punted the ball to the Waco 10-yard line with no return, and the Washington County offense would try again from there.
On the first play from scrimmage, the Indians knocked the ball loose and Vincent ‘Big Country’ Mann came up with the ball to give Dodge County a first and 10 at the 11-yard line with seven minutes, 31 seconds to go in the contest.
Two plays later, Carr was in the end zone again for another Dodge County touchdown.
Bush booted the point after and the score was now 35-7 Dodge County. With six minutes, 32 seconds left in the game, Bush kicked off again.
After another good return by Bloodsaw to the Waco 35-yard line, the Golden Hawks began their next possession. On a second and ten play, Waco threw a pass that our defender broke on and almost intercepted, but it got through to the receiver, who then turned and ran 28 yards before being brought down. Soon after, on third and seven, Waco would try another pass. This time, Michael Carr stepped in front of the receiver, intercepted the ball and raced down the sideline, before being caught at the 5-yard line.
The Indians were set up nicely, first and goal, at the 5-yard line of Waco.
On second and goal, Daylon Gordon crashed into the end zone from two yards out. Bush and the extra point team came in to make it a perfect six for six night, and the score was now 42-7 with three minutes, 22 seconds to go in the game. Washington County took the next kickoff and only ran running plays during their final possession to let time expire.
The Dodge County Indians came away with an impressive win over an always dangerous Washington County team.
The Indians are now in first place in region 3AA.
The East Laurens Falcons will be headed to Eastman next week to try and spoil our homecoming.
Game stats, courtesy of Jay Mullis, are as follows. In first downs, Dodge had 16 to the Waco 11.
In rushing yards, Dodge totaled 291 to Waco’s 99. In passing yards, Dodge had a total of 3, while Waco had 166. In total offense, Dodge had 294 to Waco’s 265 yards.
In rushing and scoring, Carr had 23 carries for 182 yards and two touchdowns; Nick Cummings had 14 carries for 63 yards and tow touchdowns; Pitts had 10 carries for 44 yards and one touchdown; Gordon had one carry for two yards and one touchdown and Bush was six for six on extra points.
Last Friday night saw a huge region 3AA matchup between our undefeated Dodge County Indians and the Washington County Golden Hawks. The game would be played in Sandersville at the infamous “House of Pain.”
The Indians seemed to have a remedy in mind for “House of Pain,” as they brought with them a big dose of Dodge County defense and multiple shots of Indian offense, which they administered all night long.
Dodge County won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. Peyton Bush would get things started by kicking off to the Golden Hawks and Dyquan Bloodsaw.
Yes, that’s his real name, and man, is he scary with the ball. Bloodsaw was last year’s special teams player of the year for our region with many kickoffs and punts returned for touchdowns.
Bush’s kick went to the 5-yard line, and Bloodsaw returned the ball to the Washington County (Waco) 29-yard line.
The Golden Hawks would start there and move the ball all the way down to the Dodge County 32-yard line, before they got their first dose of the powerful Indian defense. Thanks to a Noah Wilcox sack and several hurried pass attempts that failed to find their mark, Waco turned the ball over to Dodge on downs.
Dodge took over at their own 37-yard line but couldn’t get things going and had to punt the ball back to the Golden Hawks. Bush was able to punt the ball down to the Waco 16-yard line without a return from Bloodsaw.
On the next Golden Hawk possession, Waco began to move the ball, picking up a first down before the second dose of Indian defense was delivered when Keshawn Smokes came up with a big interception to give the Indians a first and ten at the Waco 40-yard line.
On the next play, the offensive line, a.k.a. the Dodge County Demolition Crew, blasted a hole through the Golden Hawk defense, and R.J. Carr burst through and sprinted 40 yards for the first Dodge County touchdown. Bush would come in and kick the point after and with four minutes, 59 seconds to go in the first quarter, Dodge had the lead 7-0.
On the following kickoff, Bush kicked the ball to the Waco 3-yard line, and Bloodsaw took it all the way back to the 32-yard line.
The Golden Hawks were unable to get anything going however, as Jadin Johnson sacked the quarterback on first down and Tyler Ruffin almost intercepted a pass on third down. Ruffin’s pass break-up brought up a fourth and 16 punting situation for Waco.
The Golden Hawks punted the ball to Erin Pitts, who fair caught the ball, standing at his own 35-yard line.
On this possession, the Indians wasted little time, covering 65 yards in six plays before quarterback Nick Cummings ran it in from 8 yards out for another Indian touchdown. The point after by Bush was good and Dodge was off and running 14-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, Bush kicked it to the 4-yard line, but the dangerous kick-returner brought the ball all the way out to the 40-yard line before having to be brought down by Bush and Noah Cummings.
Washington County would get another dose of the Indian defense and have to punt again.
Dodge took over at their own 21-yard line and were able to push the ball up to their own 47-yard line before, they too, would have to punt. Punter Bush launched a booming 46-yard kick over Bloodsaw’s head, and the ball checked up and rolled sideways out of bounds at the Waco 7-yard line.
Pinned deep in their own territory, the Golden Hawks started their next possession. After moving the ball about 20 yards, the Waco offense would run out of steam and be forced to punt again.
The Indians would take over on their own 44-yard line and go to work from there. In only six plays, the Indians would score again, as Erin Pitts carried the ball in from two yards out with five minutes, 23 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The extra point was good, and the score was now 21-0 Dodge County.
On the kickoff, Bush put the ball into the end zone, eliminating the threat of Bloodsaw this time, and forcing Waco to start back at their own 20-yard line.
The Indian defense appeared to have things under control when, on third down and seven, Waco connected on a quick tunnel screen pass to Bloodsaw, who turned that into a long gain before being caught by Jared Cannon at the Dodge County 10-yard line. The Dodge County defense would stiffen, but on fourth and goal from the 7-yard line, Waco would finally connect on a pass play across the middle for their first score of the night.
The extra point was good and the score was now 21-7 Dodge with two minutes, 11 seconds to go in the first half.
On the ensuing kickoff, recovered at the 33-yard line, and after a penalty, the Indians found themselves backed up to their own 19-yard line. The Indian offense sputtered and went three and out, so Dodge punted.
The punt was a short one this time, and Waco was in business at the Dodge 48-yard line. Waco quickly moved the ball down to the Indian 11-yard line. Here, Dodge’s defense would make the stand of the year.
With Waco knocking on the door, first and ten from the 11-yard line and trying to cut the lead to seven before the half, the defense stepped up. Waco attempted four consecutive pass plays trying to score, and each attempt was thwarted, with the last attempt being intercepted on a beautiful grab by KeAnthony Woods.
Woods reached up and snatched the ball out of the sky and drug his feet on the ground as he was falling out of the back of the end zone. The play resulted in a touchback, which gave the Indians possession out at the 20-yard line, instead of the 11-yard line, had he not made the catch.
There, the Dodge County offense was able to run out the first half clock and maintain the 14 point lead.
To start the second half, Washington County would have to kick off to Dodge. Waco would try a squib kick to see if they could catch the Indians off-guard.
The kickoff receiving team handled the kick with no problem, and the offense took over at their own 33-yard line.
The Indian offense came out running with authority, and in only six plays, found themselves in the end zone again when Nick Cummings scored again from five yards out. Bush came in to add the extra point and with nine minutes, 15 seconds left in the third quarter, the score was Dodge 28, Waco 7.
After another kick by Bush down to the 5-yard line, and a Bloodsaw return to the Waco 29-yard line, the Hawks would go three and out, thanks in part, to a Johnson pass deflection. Waco punted back to Dodge.
The Indians were called on back-to-back plays for holding and found themselves first and 20 at their own 20-yard line. On the next play, Dodge coughed up the ball, and Waco recovered the fumble at the Dodge 23.
Waco moved the ball down to the Dodge County 7-yard line and were first and goal, but the stubborn Dodge defense dug in and never let them get any closer.
The Indians took the ball back over on downs, and the offense pushed the ball back out to the Dodge 36-yard line before having to punt their way out of trouble. Bush came in and punted the ball down to the Waco 30-yard line.
On this possession, the Dodge defense was manhandling the Waco offense and on second and nine, Cade Cranford came calling and sacked the quarterback for a three yard loss.
Then, on third and 12, Johnson drilled the quarterback for an eight yard loss to bring up a fourth and 20 punting situation for Waco. The Golden Hawks punter got a good punt off, and the Indians would have to start at their own 35-yard line.
The Indian offense was able to get the ball just past midfield before having to punt back to Waco.
This time Bush punted the ball to the Waco 10-yard line with no return, and the Washington County offense would try again from there.
On the first play from scrimmage, the Indians knocked the ball loose and Vincent ‘Big Country’ Mann came up with the ball to give Dodge County a first and 10 at the 11-yard line with seven minutes, 31 seconds to go in the contest.
Two plays later, Carr was in the end zone again for another Dodge County touchdown.
Bush booted the point after and the score was now 35-7 Dodge County. With six minutes, 32 seconds left in the game, Bush kicked off again.
After another good return by Bloodsaw to the Waco 35-yard line, the Golden Hawks began their next possession. On a second and ten play, Waco threw a pass that our defender broke on and almost intercepted, but it got through to the receiver, who then turned and ran 28 yards before being brought down. Soon after, on third and seven, Waco would try another pass. This time, Michael Carr stepped in front of the receiver, intercepted the ball and raced down the sideline, before being caught at the 5-yard line.
The Indians were set up nicely, first and goal, at the 5-yard line of Waco.
On second and goal, Daylon Gordon crashed into the end zone from two yards out. Bush and the extra point team came in to make it a perfect six for six night, and the score was now 42-7 with three minutes, 22 seconds to go in the game. Washington County took the next kickoff and only ran running plays during their final possession to let time expire.
The Dodge County Indians came away with an impressive win over an always dangerous Washington County team.
The Indians are now in first place in region 3AA.
The East Laurens Falcons will be headed to Eastman next week to try and spoil our homecoming.
Game stats, courtesy of Jay Mullis, are as follows. In first downs, Dodge had 16 to the Waco 11.
In rushing yards, Dodge totaled 291 to Waco’s 99. In passing yards, Dodge had a total of 3, while Waco had 166. In total offense, Dodge had 294 to Waco’s 265 yards.
In rushing and scoring, Carr had 23 carries for 182 yards and two touchdowns; Nick Cummings had 14 carries for 63 yards and tow touchdowns; Pitts had 10 carries for 44 yards and one touchdown; Gordon had one carry for two yards and one touchdown and Bush was six for six on extra points.
Dodge High prepares for Homecoming Week 2017
By Amy Mullis
“North, South, East, West: Indians are the Best!” will be the mantra of all Dodge County High School (DCHS) Indians during Homecoming Week 2017, from October 16, 2017 through October 20, 2017, as the DCHS Indians prepare to take on the East Laurens High School Falcons.
The week, full of costumes, contests, dancing and, of course, football, will culminate with the crowning of the 2017 DCHS Homecoming Queen.
On-campus, dress-up days will include Mamma Jamma Monday, Tacky Tuesday, Wildcard Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Fired-Up Friday.
The annual homecoming powwow will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Dodge County Middle School track on Thursday night, and the homecoming parade will roll through the streets of Eastman beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Parade applications will be available in the DCHS front office as well as on the school’s website under the “What’s New” tab.
For more information about DCHS Homecoming Week events, contact Darci Rogers or Scarlett Selph at 478-374-7711. For specific parade information, contact Amy Mullis at 478-374-7711 or by email at amullis@dodge.k12.ga.us.
“North, South, East, West: Indians are the Best!” will be the mantra of all Dodge County High School (DCHS) Indians during Homecoming Week 2017, from October 16, 2017 through October 20, 2017, as the DCHS Indians prepare to take on the East Laurens High School Falcons.
The week, full of costumes, contests, dancing and, of course, football, will culminate with the crowning of the 2017 DCHS Homecoming Queen.
On-campus, dress-up days will include Mamma Jamma Monday, Tacky Tuesday, Wildcard Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Fired-Up Friday.
The annual homecoming powwow will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Dodge County Middle School track on Thursday night, and the homecoming parade will roll through the streets of Eastman beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Parade applications will be available in the DCHS front office as well as on the school’s website under the “What’s New” tab.
For more information about DCHS Homecoming Week events, contact Darci Rogers or Scarlett Selph at 478-374-7711. For specific parade information, contact Amy Mullis at 478-374-7711 or by email at amullis@dodge.k12.ga.us.
Dodge cheerleaders are fierce on the mat
By Brian Grauberger
The Dodge County cheerleaders competed in the Falcon Frenzy at East Laurens High School on October 7, 2017. Both the high school and middle school teams represented Dodge County with impressive second and first place finishes respectively.
The high school also competed the previous weekend in Milledgeville, bringing home the second place trophy.
Both teams are working toward advancing the technical difficulties of the routes in preparation for area, region and state competitions.
Routines are two minutes 30 seconds and are graded in three areas by six different judges. Panel A judges evaluate the athlete’s jumps, cheers and dance. Panel B judges evaluate the tumbling, which includes both standing and running. Panel C includes partner stunts and pyramids with height being taken into consideration as well.
Within each of the categories, the athletes are graded based on the difficulty of the task and how it is performed. Both of the Dodge teams are scoring well in all three areas and have progressively gotten higher scores with more difficult stunts and tumbling over the past few years. Working as a team is essential, as each member plays an equally important role to perform each task required. These athletes may wear bows, skirts and a smile, but don’t be fooled, they are fierce on the mat.
The coaches are extremely proud of the teams’ efforts and anticipate even better scores going into the end of the season over the next few weeks. High school coach Sheena Orange stated after the competition, “Very proud of the girls. Each week we are getting stronger.”
Come out and support these incredible athletes.
The middle school will be competing in Vidalia next week. The team is coached by head coach Lori Cadwell with assistant coaches Sarah Ashley Winans and Amy Howard. Team members include Georgia Hardy, Meagan Rushing, Ava Wilkinson, Amelia Godfrey, Dezi Thomas, Lana Kay Pritchett, Sara Beth Cadwell, Gracie Mann, Laura Kate McCranie, Kate Jones, Akasha Johnson, Makayla Atchley, Morgan Parker, Ashlyn Grauberger, Amirah Huttoe, Leah Cook, Brianna Studstill, Camryn Vaughn, Ashlee Knowles, Kaylee Knowles and Anna Margret Stapleton.
The high school team is coached by Sheena Orange and Tammy Lewis. Team members include Sarah Beth Kirkland, Alyssa Trifiletti, Harlee Strickland, Sydney Steff, Ashley Howell, Bailey Wilson, Molli Mann, Jaida Rollins, Logan Lanier, Destiny Davis, Marlyn Parker, Kenzie Thomas, Shelby Cannon, Ivy Mincey, Ashlyn Dominy, Audrey Graham, Ryleigh Gonzales, Caroline Scarborough, Madison Durden and Amy Elizalde.
The Dodge County cheerleaders competed in the Falcon Frenzy at East Laurens High School on October 7, 2017. Both the high school and middle school teams represented Dodge County with impressive second and first place finishes respectively.
The high school also competed the previous weekend in Milledgeville, bringing home the second place trophy.
Both teams are working toward advancing the technical difficulties of the routes in preparation for area, region and state competitions.
Routines are two minutes 30 seconds and are graded in three areas by six different judges. Panel A judges evaluate the athlete’s jumps, cheers and dance. Panel B judges evaluate the tumbling, which includes both standing and running. Panel C includes partner stunts and pyramids with height being taken into consideration as well.
Within each of the categories, the athletes are graded based on the difficulty of the task and how it is performed. Both of the Dodge teams are scoring well in all three areas and have progressively gotten higher scores with more difficult stunts and tumbling over the past few years. Working as a team is essential, as each member plays an equally important role to perform each task required. These athletes may wear bows, skirts and a smile, but don’t be fooled, they are fierce on the mat.
The coaches are extremely proud of the teams’ efforts and anticipate even better scores going into the end of the season over the next few weeks. High school coach Sheena Orange stated after the competition, “Very proud of the girls. Each week we are getting stronger.”
Come out and support these incredible athletes.
The middle school will be competing in Vidalia next week. The team is coached by head coach Lori Cadwell with assistant coaches Sarah Ashley Winans and Amy Howard. Team members include Georgia Hardy, Meagan Rushing, Ava Wilkinson, Amelia Godfrey, Dezi Thomas, Lana Kay Pritchett, Sara Beth Cadwell, Gracie Mann, Laura Kate McCranie, Kate Jones, Akasha Johnson, Makayla Atchley, Morgan Parker, Ashlyn Grauberger, Amirah Huttoe, Leah Cook, Brianna Studstill, Camryn Vaughn, Ashlee Knowles, Kaylee Knowles and Anna Margret Stapleton.
The high school team is coached by Sheena Orange and Tammy Lewis. Team members include Sarah Beth Kirkland, Alyssa Trifiletti, Harlee Strickland, Sydney Steff, Ashley Howell, Bailey Wilson, Molli Mann, Jaida Rollins, Logan Lanier, Destiny Davis, Marlyn Parker, Kenzie Thomas, Shelby Cannon, Ivy Mincey, Ashlyn Dominy, Audrey Graham, Ryleigh Gonzales, Caroline Scarborough, Madison Durden and Amy Elizalde.
Ladies win region 3-AA championship
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge High Lady Indians Softball team left no question as to who was the top team in region 3-AA. They had everything working as they outscored opponents the opposition 32-0 in repeating as region champs.
The opener against Washington County had no drama, as Dodge rolled to a 12-0 win. Dodge had to wait around for the opponent, as Bleckley County was tied up in a tight game against East Laurens. The Lady Falcons actually took a 10-3 lead going to the bottom of the sixth. The Lady Royals would score ten runs in the sixth to take a 13-10 win.
The Lady Indians would get ahead with three runs in the first and roll to an 8-0 win.
On Wednesday, Dodge would have two chances to be region champs. They would only need one. Again, it was Bleckley County, as expected, and Dodge would again score a bunch in the first inning, as they got five in the first for an easy 12-0 win.
The Lady Indians will now face Westside out of Augusta in a best of three series. Games one and two will be today (Wednesday) in Eastman. Game time for game one is 3:30 p.m. and game two is supposed to get going around 5:30 p.m.
Off we go to Dublin for the opening round of region tournament play against Washington County. Linzy Bowen got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. Both teams failed to score in the first. Bowen rolled through the second on just seven pitches.
Dodge went to work in the bottom of the second. Jacey Dowdy would single to lead off, and she would be replaced on the bases by the speedy Europe Brown. Sara Lann would double home Brown, and Dodge would lead 1-0. Hits from Hailey Hickman, Amber Maxwell and Jenna Hickman would give Dodge a 4-0 lead. Jade Dowdy would drive home Julianna Bellflower, and Aniyah Black would be driven in by Abby Manning for a 6-0 Dodge lead going to the third. Bowen would work around a pair of singles to keep the Dodge lead at 6-0 going to the bottom of the third. Lann would lead off the Dodge third with a single, and then a pair of two-out walks to Hailey Hickman and Bellflower would load the bases. Jade Dowdy would single home Lann and Hailey Hickman for an 8-0 Dodge lead. A single by Black would send home Bellflower for a 9-0 lead going into the fourth.
Bowen would get a pair of strikeouts in the fourth, and now Dodge would come to the plate needing three runs to end this one in four innings. Dodge wasted little time, as Jacey Dowdy and Lann would single. Hailey Hickman and Maxwell would score them for an 11-0 game. Jenna Hickman would single home Hailey Hickman, and that would do it for the 12-0 final.
That would set up Dodge and Bleckley for the third time this year. This one would have a lot of action in the first. Bleckley would have a chance in the first, as they would load the bases with two out. Jade Dowdy would get the big out on a strikeout, her second of the inning, and the Lady Royals would be denied.
Dodge would also have a chance in the bottom of the first; would they cash in? The answer would be, absolutely. A lead off single by Bellflower on a two-strike count, followed by an error that allowed Jade Dowdy to reach, and a walk to Black would load the bases for third baseman Manning. The junior third baseman would hit a ball very deep to right center for a triple that would score Bellflower, Sydney Powell, who was running for Dowdy, and Black for a 3-0 Dodge lead after the first.
The Dodge defense would come up big in the second. The Lady Royals would have a runner on second with one out. Lady Indian left fielder Hailey Hickman made a diving catch on a sinking line drive, and she threw a strike to Bellflower at second to double off the runner, and Dodge would keep the 3-0 lead.
Dodge added to the lead in the bottom of the second. Bellflower would reach on an error with one out. A single by Jade Dowdy and a two-out walk to Manning would load the bases. Runs batted in from Jacey Dowdy, Lann and Hailey Hickman would push the lead out to 6-0 going to the third.
The Lady Royals again would have a chance to score in the third, as they had runners at first and third with only one out. A fly ball to center fielder Jenna Hickman would be caught, and they decided not to try and tag up on the senior’s arm and it was a good thing, as it would have been really close at the place. Dodge would deny the Lady Royals as a ground ball to Bellflower at second would end the inning with a 6-0 lead.
Dodge would add to the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Lann would double to left center, which would score Manning and Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and the Dodge lead was 8-0 going to the fifth.
The Lady Royals would get a couple of base runners in the fifth, but a ground ball to Black at short would end this one in the 8-0 final.
On Wednesday, Dodge would again play Bleckley, this time, for the region championship. Dodge would only need a single win, while Bleckley would need a pair of wins.
Jade Dowdy would get a pair of strikeouts, and she would make a nice play on a come backer to the mound that would leave a runner at third.
The Lady Indians would go right to work at the plate. Jade Dowdy would reach on an error with one out. She would be replaced on the bases by Powell. A walk to Black and a single by Manning would load the bases for Jacey Dowdy. She would reach on an error and Powell would score for a 1-0 lead. Lann would single home Black and Manning for a 3-0 lead. Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and Lann would score on an error, and the Dodge lead would be 5-0 after the first.
The Lady Royals would get their only solid hit of the night to lead off the second on a double to left center. Jade Dowdy would work around it on another good play on a come backer. She made three good plays on the mound and an infield popup.
Dodge added to the lead in the bottom of the second. Bellflower would lead off the inning with a single. Jade Dowdy would once again reach on an error. A one-out single by Manning would load the bases. Singles by Lann and Hailey Hickman would give Dodge an 8-0 lead after two.
Jade Dowdy would then shutdown the Lady Royals’ offense. She would get the three infield ground balls to keep the Dodge lead at 8-0 going to the bottom of the third.
Jenna Hickman would walk and steal second to lead off the inning. Bellflower would move her to third. Jade Dowdy would help herself on a sacrifice fly, and the lead would be 9-0. Manning would get her third hit of the game that would score Black, who also singled and went to second on a wild pitch. The lead was not 10-0, and the game was nearing an end.
The Lady Royals could only get a fly ball to Jenna Hickman in center, and then Jade Dowdy would get a pair of strikeouts to keep the lead at 10-0 going to the bottom of the fourth.
Dodge would only need two runs to wrap up the championship in four innings. A single by Hailey Hickman and a double by Maxwell put runners at second and third with nobody out. Jenna Hickman singled to left to wrap home the game, as Maxwell would score, and that would do it for the 12-0 final.
It was a total team effort, as Dodge had 12 hits, and they made no errors in the field. Jade Dowdy was great on the mound, as she pitched a two-hit shutout with four strikeouts and no walks. She retired the final nine batters of the game.
The Lady Indians are playing their best ball of the year. Congratulations to the team, along with coaches Jennifer Bellflower, Meghan McCranie and Kenton Haley. A series win this week will have them playing at home next week, as they make a bid to make back-to-back trips to Columbus.
The Dodge High Lady Indians Softball team left no question as to who was the top team in region 3-AA. They had everything working as they outscored opponents the opposition 32-0 in repeating as region champs.
The opener against Washington County had no drama, as Dodge rolled to a 12-0 win. Dodge had to wait around for the opponent, as Bleckley County was tied up in a tight game against East Laurens. The Lady Falcons actually took a 10-3 lead going to the bottom of the sixth. The Lady Royals would score ten runs in the sixth to take a 13-10 win.
The Lady Indians would get ahead with three runs in the first and roll to an 8-0 win.
On Wednesday, Dodge would have two chances to be region champs. They would only need one. Again, it was Bleckley County, as expected, and Dodge would again score a bunch in the first inning, as they got five in the first for an easy 12-0 win.
The Lady Indians will now face Westside out of Augusta in a best of three series. Games one and two will be today (Wednesday) in Eastman. Game time for game one is 3:30 p.m. and game two is supposed to get going around 5:30 p.m.
Off we go to Dublin for the opening round of region tournament play against Washington County. Linzy Bowen got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. Both teams failed to score in the first. Bowen rolled through the second on just seven pitches.
Dodge went to work in the bottom of the second. Jacey Dowdy would single to lead off, and she would be replaced on the bases by the speedy Europe Brown. Sara Lann would double home Brown, and Dodge would lead 1-0. Hits from Hailey Hickman, Amber Maxwell and Jenna Hickman would give Dodge a 4-0 lead. Jade Dowdy would drive home Julianna Bellflower, and Aniyah Black would be driven in by Abby Manning for a 6-0 Dodge lead going to the third. Bowen would work around a pair of singles to keep the Dodge lead at 6-0 going to the bottom of the third. Lann would lead off the Dodge third with a single, and then a pair of two-out walks to Hailey Hickman and Bellflower would load the bases. Jade Dowdy would single home Lann and Hailey Hickman for an 8-0 Dodge lead. A single by Black would send home Bellflower for a 9-0 lead going into the fourth.
Bowen would get a pair of strikeouts in the fourth, and now Dodge would come to the plate needing three runs to end this one in four innings. Dodge wasted little time, as Jacey Dowdy and Lann would single. Hailey Hickman and Maxwell would score them for an 11-0 game. Jenna Hickman would single home Hailey Hickman, and that would do it for the 12-0 final.
That would set up Dodge and Bleckley for the third time this year. This one would have a lot of action in the first. Bleckley would have a chance in the first, as they would load the bases with two out. Jade Dowdy would get the big out on a strikeout, her second of the inning, and the Lady Royals would be denied.
Dodge would also have a chance in the bottom of the first; would they cash in? The answer would be, absolutely. A lead off single by Bellflower on a two-strike count, followed by an error that allowed Jade Dowdy to reach, and a walk to Black would load the bases for third baseman Manning. The junior third baseman would hit a ball very deep to right center for a triple that would score Bellflower, Sydney Powell, who was running for Dowdy, and Black for a 3-0 Dodge lead after the first.
The Dodge defense would come up big in the second. The Lady Royals would have a runner on second with one out. Lady Indian left fielder Hailey Hickman made a diving catch on a sinking line drive, and she threw a strike to Bellflower at second to double off the runner, and Dodge would keep the 3-0 lead.
Dodge added to the lead in the bottom of the second. Bellflower would reach on an error with one out. A single by Jade Dowdy and a two-out walk to Manning would load the bases. Runs batted in from Jacey Dowdy, Lann and Hailey Hickman would push the lead out to 6-0 going to the third.
The Lady Royals again would have a chance to score in the third, as they had runners at first and third with only one out. A fly ball to center fielder Jenna Hickman would be caught, and they decided not to try and tag up on the senior’s arm and it was a good thing, as it would have been really close at the place. Dodge would deny the Lady Royals as a ground ball to Bellflower at second would end the inning with a 6-0 lead.
Dodge would add to the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Lann would double to left center, which would score Manning and Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and the Dodge lead was 8-0 going to the fifth.
The Lady Royals would get a couple of base runners in the fifth, but a ground ball to Black at short would end this one in the 8-0 final.
On Wednesday, Dodge would again play Bleckley, this time, for the region championship. Dodge would only need a single win, while Bleckley would need a pair of wins.
Jade Dowdy would get a pair of strikeouts, and she would make a nice play on a come backer to the mound that would leave a runner at third.
The Lady Indians would go right to work at the plate. Jade Dowdy would reach on an error with one out. She would be replaced on the bases by Powell. A walk to Black and a single by Manning would load the bases for Jacey Dowdy. She would reach on an error and Powell would score for a 1-0 lead. Lann would single home Black and Manning for a 3-0 lead. Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and Lann would score on an error, and the Dodge lead would be 5-0 after the first.
The Lady Royals would get their only solid hit of the night to lead off the second on a double to left center. Jade Dowdy would work around it on another good play on a come backer. She made three good plays on the mound and an infield popup.
Dodge added to the lead in the bottom of the second. Bellflower would lead off the inning with a single. Jade Dowdy would once again reach on an error. A one-out single by Manning would load the bases. Singles by Lann and Hailey Hickman would give Dodge an 8-0 lead after two.
Jade Dowdy would then shutdown the Lady Royals’ offense. She would get the three infield ground balls to keep the Dodge lead at 8-0 going to the bottom of the third.
Jenna Hickman would walk and steal second to lead off the inning. Bellflower would move her to third. Jade Dowdy would help herself on a sacrifice fly, and the lead would be 9-0. Manning would get her third hit of the game that would score Black, who also singled and went to second on a wild pitch. The lead was not 10-0, and the game was nearing an end.
The Lady Royals could only get a fly ball to Jenna Hickman in center, and then Jade Dowdy would get a pair of strikeouts to keep the lead at 10-0 going to the bottom of the fourth.
Dodge would only need two runs to wrap up the championship in four innings. A single by Hailey Hickman and a double by Maxwell put runners at second and third with nobody out. Jenna Hickman singled to left to wrap home the game, as Maxwell would score, and that would do it for the 12-0 final.
It was a total team effort, as Dodge had 12 hits, and they made no errors in the field. Jade Dowdy was great on the mound, as she pitched a two-hit shutout with four strikeouts and no walks. She retired the final nine batters of the game.
The Lady Indians are playing their best ball of the year. Congratulations to the team, along with coaches Jennifer Bellflower, Meghan McCranie and Kenton Haley. A series win this week will have them playing at home next week, as they make a bid to make back-to-back trips to Columbus.
Indians crush the Fightin’ Irish in 42-21 win
By David Bush
Last Friday night was full of excitement and anticipation. The mighty Dublin Irish were coming to town, it was Dodge County Senior Night, and Eastman would be hosting the 13 WMAZ tailgate party. Our Indians, 2-0 in the region and 5-0 on the season, were up against Dublin, also 2-0 in the region and 4-2 on the year.
The Dodge County fans packed the house to cheer on our team and honor the seniors for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice that make our program top-notch. Thank you seniors!
Dodge County would lose the coin toss and Dublin deferred to the second half. The opening kickoff went to freshmen Daylon Gordon, who returned the ball all the way out to the Dodge County 41-yard line to set up the offense first and ten. The Indians wasted little time, and five plays later, on a second and 13 play from the 18-yard line, RJ Carr took the ball up the middle and sprinted to the end zone, diving over a would-be tackler at the goal line, for a spectacular first touchdown of the night. Peyton Bush came in to boot the extra point and the Indians were ahead early, 7-0 with nine minutes, 57 seconds still to go in the first quarter. The Indians kicked the ball off to Dublin, and the Irish offense would take over at their own 23-yard line. The Indian defense shut down the Irish and forced a punt, not allowing a single first down.
Dublin punted the ball out to the Dodge 45-yard line, and the Indian offense began the second drive from there. The second drive took only one play as Carr burst through the Dublin defense and took the ball 55 yards down the sideline for another Dodge touchdown. Bush was good on the extra point, and Dodge was leading 14-0 with seven minutes, 20 seconds still to play in the first quarter.
The Irish would take over at their own 27-yard line and begin to figure some things out. Dublin put together a 12-play drive to score on a first and goal play from the 1-yard line. The point after was good, and Dublin cut the lead in half, 14-7, with one minute, 52 seconds left in the first quarter.
After a couple of miscues by the Dublin kickoff team, Dodge would get the ball at their own 40-yard line.
The Dodge offense would only manage one first down before having to punt back to Dublin. Bush came in and punted to the Irish, making them have to start at their own 18-yard line. Dublin began gaining yards in big chunks and moving right down the field. 11 plays later, they were back in the end zone. The point after was good, and just like that, the game was tied 14-14 with five minutes, 49 seconds to go in the second quarter.
After a Dublin kickoff to Dodge, both defenses would stiffen. Dodge punted to Dublin, and Dublin back to Dodge. The Indians, with one minute, one second left in the second, would get the ball down to the Irish 36-yard line with one second left on the clock. Bush would be called on to attempt a 53-yard field goal, but a penalty cost the Indians five more yards and moved the ball out of field goal range. Nick Cummings tried to get the ball to the end zone but was tackled, and the half would end 14-14.
The second half started with Dodge kicking off to Dublin and kicker Bush booting the ball five yards deep for a touchback. Dublin, starting at their own 20-yard line, began marching down the field. The Irish were at the Dodge 38-yard line, when the Indian defense knocked the ball loose. Shemour Jordan came up with the big fumble recovery.
The Indian offense came alive and began moving the ball again. On second down and two from the Dublin 34-yard line, Erin Pitts broke free and outran everyone to the end zone. Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians, once again, had the lead 21-14, with five minutes 31 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Again, Bush’s kickoff would sail into the end zone, and the Irish had bad field position, starting from their own 20-yard line. The Indian defense shut down the Irish attack, forcing a three and out and punt.
Dodge took over at the Dublin 48-yard line, and on the fourth play of the drive, Pitts ripped through the Irish defense, and raced 40 yards for another Dodge County touchdown. The point after was good, and the score was now 28-14, Dodge County.
After another kickoff into the end zone, Dublin started at their own 20 and pulled off an 80-yard drive, using 16 plays to get back to within a touchdown of Dodge. The score was now 28-21 Dodge, with six minutes, 17 seconds to go in the game.
Those Dublin Irish just wouldn’t quit, but neither would our Indians. After the Dublin kickoff went out of bounds, Dodge took over at their own 35-yard line. The Indians put together an impressive drive of their own, and took the ball 65 yards in nine plays, before Carr capped it off with a 6-yard run for his third touchdown of the night. The extra point by Bush was good, and the score was 35-21 with two minutes, 22 seconds left in the game.
The Indians would kick the ball off to Dublin and tackle the return man at the 15-yard line. Dublin was running out of time and needed to pass the ball to move the ball and manage the clock. On first and ten from the 15, the Irish quarterback dropped back to pass, and linebacker Tyler Montford blitzed through the line and sacked the quarterback, causing a fumble in the end zone, which Montford rolled over and recovered for a Dodge County touchdown. The point after by Bush was good, and the score was 42-21 with two minutes left in the game.
Montford’s touchdown seemed to take wind out of Dublin’s sails, and on their last possession of the game, they would be unable to get out of their side of the field before turning the ball over on downs to the Indians. Dodge would run out the clock to take the victory 42-21 and move to 3-0 in the region and 6-0 on the season.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, were as follows. Dodge County had 13 first downs to Dublin’s 18 first downs. In rushing yards, Dodge County had 325 and Dublin had 321 rushing yards. In passing yards, the Indians had a total of 18 to the Irish’s 26 passing yards.
In rushing and scoring, Carr had 154 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns; Pitts had 135 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns; Nick Cummings had nine carries for 35 yards; Montford had one touchdown and Bush was six of six in point-after attempts.
Next week, the Indians travel to Sandersville to the “House of Pain” to face the Washington County Golden Hawks. Washington County won the region last season and could prove to be the biggest challenge for the Indians this season, despite their 2-4 record. This team is big and fast, and most of their losses come from much larger schools. If at all possible, please be there Friday, October 13, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. to cheer on our Indians.
Last Friday night was full of excitement and anticipation. The mighty Dublin Irish were coming to town, it was Dodge County Senior Night, and Eastman would be hosting the 13 WMAZ tailgate party. Our Indians, 2-0 in the region and 5-0 on the season, were up against Dublin, also 2-0 in the region and 4-2 on the year.
The Dodge County fans packed the house to cheer on our team and honor the seniors for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice that make our program top-notch. Thank you seniors!
Dodge County would lose the coin toss and Dublin deferred to the second half. The opening kickoff went to freshmen Daylon Gordon, who returned the ball all the way out to the Dodge County 41-yard line to set up the offense first and ten. The Indians wasted little time, and five plays later, on a second and 13 play from the 18-yard line, RJ Carr took the ball up the middle and sprinted to the end zone, diving over a would-be tackler at the goal line, for a spectacular first touchdown of the night. Peyton Bush came in to boot the extra point and the Indians were ahead early, 7-0 with nine minutes, 57 seconds still to go in the first quarter. The Indians kicked the ball off to Dublin, and the Irish offense would take over at their own 23-yard line. The Indian defense shut down the Irish and forced a punt, not allowing a single first down.
Dublin punted the ball out to the Dodge 45-yard line, and the Indian offense began the second drive from there. The second drive took only one play as Carr burst through the Dublin defense and took the ball 55 yards down the sideline for another Dodge touchdown. Bush was good on the extra point, and Dodge was leading 14-0 with seven minutes, 20 seconds still to play in the first quarter.
The Irish would take over at their own 27-yard line and begin to figure some things out. Dublin put together a 12-play drive to score on a first and goal play from the 1-yard line. The point after was good, and Dublin cut the lead in half, 14-7, with one minute, 52 seconds left in the first quarter.
After a couple of miscues by the Dublin kickoff team, Dodge would get the ball at their own 40-yard line.
The Dodge offense would only manage one first down before having to punt back to Dublin. Bush came in and punted to the Irish, making them have to start at their own 18-yard line. Dublin began gaining yards in big chunks and moving right down the field. 11 plays later, they were back in the end zone. The point after was good, and just like that, the game was tied 14-14 with five minutes, 49 seconds to go in the second quarter.
After a Dublin kickoff to Dodge, both defenses would stiffen. Dodge punted to Dublin, and Dublin back to Dodge. The Indians, with one minute, one second left in the second, would get the ball down to the Irish 36-yard line with one second left on the clock. Bush would be called on to attempt a 53-yard field goal, but a penalty cost the Indians five more yards and moved the ball out of field goal range. Nick Cummings tried to get the ball to the end zone but was tackled, and the half would end 14-14.
The second half started with Dodge kicking off to Dublin and kicker Bush booting the ball five yards deep for a touchback. Dublin, starting at their own 20-yard line, began marching down the field. The Irish were at the Dodge 38-yard line, when the Indian defense knocked the ball loose. Shemour Jordan came up with the big fumble recovery.
The Indian offense came alive and began moving the ball again. On second down and two from the Dublin 34-yard line, Erin Pitts broke free and outran everyone to the end zone. Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians, once again, had the lead 21-14, with five minutes 31 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Again, Bush’s kickoff would sail into the end zone, and the Irish had bad field position, starting from their own 20-yard line. The Indian defense shut down the Irish attack, forcing a three and out and punt.
Dodge took over at the Dublin 48-yard line, and on the fourth play of the drive, Pitts ripped through the Irish defense, and raced 40 yards for another Dodge County touchdown. The point after was good, and the score was now 28-14, Dodge County.
After another kickoff into the end zone, Dublin started at their own 20 and pulled off an 80-yard drive, using 16 plays to get back to within a touchdown of Dodge. The score was now 28-21 Dodge, with six minutes, 17 seconds to go in the game.
Those Dublin Irish just wouldn’t quit, but neither would our Indians. After the Dublin kickoff went out of bounds, Dodge took over at their own 35-yard line. The Indians put together an impressive drive of their own, and took the ball 65 yards in nine plays, before Carr capped it off with a 6-yard run for his third touchdown of the night. The extra point by Bush was good, and the score was 35-21 with two minutes, 22 seconds left in the game.
The Indians would kick the ball off to Dublin and tackle the return man at the 15-yard line. Dublin was running out of time and needed to pass the ball to move the ball and manage the clock. On first and ten from the 15, the Irish quarterback dropped back to pass, and linebacker Tyler Montford blitzed through the line and sacked the quarterback, causing a fumble in the end zone, which Montford rolled over and recovered for a Dodge County touchdown. The point after by Bush was good, and the score was 42-21 with two minutes left in the game.
Montford’s touchdown seemed to take wind out of Dublin’s sails, and on their last possession of the game, they would be unable to get out of their side of the field before turning the ball over on downs to the Indians. Dodge would run out the clock to take the victory 42-21 and move to 3-0 in the region and 6-0 on the season.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, were as follows. Dodge County had 13 first downs to Dublin’s 18 first downs. In rushing yards, Dodge County had 325 and Dublin had 321 rushing yards. In passing yards, the Indians had a total of 18 to the Irish’s 26 passing yards.
In rushing and scoring, Carr had 154 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns; Pitts had 135 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns; Nick Cummings had nine carries for 35 yards; Montford had one touchdown and Bush was six of six in point-after attempts.
Next week, the Indians travel to Sandersville to the “House of Pain” to face the Washington County Golden Hawks. Washington County won the region last season and could prove to be the biggest challenge for the Indians this season, despite their 2-4 record. This team is big and fast, and most of their losses come from much larger schools. If at all possible, please be there Friday, October 13, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. to cheer on our Indians.
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