By Russ Ragan
It was a busy week for the Dodge High Lady Indians Softball. Dodge played five games over the week including a pair of region games. The week opened with a tough 11-6 loss to a strong West Laurens team. Region play opened on Tuesday against Southwest Macon. Dodge rolled to a 15-0 game that wasn’t near that close. Thursday Dodge traveled to Macon to play Northeast. The game wasn’t close as the Lady Indians rolled to a 19-1 win. Dodge traveled to Cordele to play in the Watermelon Classic. The opener was a shoot-out between Dodge and Ware Counties. The Lady Indians rallied from six runs down to tie the game before falling 11-9 in extra innings. Dodge would rally in their second game as they defeated Brantley County 5-2.
The Lady Raiders started strong as they took a 4.0 lead in the first. Dodge would cut the lead in half as Aniyah Black knocked in Dylanna Barton and Makiyah Roberson to cut the lead to 4-2. The Lady Raiders kept the bats going with five more runs in the second to move the lead to 9-2. Dodge would come back in the 4th as Barton drove in Logan White who doubled for a 9-3 game. Ava Roland walked and runner Jainavae Patillo and the game was 9-4. Dodge trailed 11-4 before Gracie Lewis singled home Roberson for an 11-5 game. Bailey Harvey wrapped up the games scoring with a very long homerun to dead center that cleared everything. The final was 11-6.
Dodge welcomed Southwest Macon to Eastman on Tuesday. The Lady Patriots have had no lunch against Dodge and today would be no different. Dylanna Barton got the start on the mound and pitched a perfect game with seven strikeouts in the 15-0 win. Here is an offensive rundown: Barton two for two with three runs scored and three stolen bases; Makiyah Roberson two for two with three runs scored, two stolen bases and an RBI; Logan White one for one with three runs scored, four stolen bases and two RBIs; Sidney Powell one for two with one run scored and two RBIs; Jainavae Patillo two walks and two stolen bases; Kyla Howell two runs scored and two stolen bases; Ava Roland one for one with a stolen base and two RBIs; Carson Ethridge had two walks and Jayci Hickman had a walk and an RBI.
Dodge went to Northeast Macon on Thursday. This one wasn’t close as well as Dodge rolled to a 19-1 win. Barton pitched well again as she allowed only an unearned run going up two hits and striking out six. Here is the offensive breakdown: Barton had two stolen bases and a run scored; Robertson two for two with three runs scored, two triples and an RBI; White three for three with three runs scored, two doubles, a stolen base and three RBIs. Powell two for two with three RBIs, three stolen bases, a triple, a homerun and two RBIs; Howell has a stolen base and a walk; Roland three runs scored and two stolen bases; Patillo two for three with two runs scored and a triple; Ethridge two for two with two runs scored and Hickman with a single, a walk and a run scored.
The competition level went way up on Saturday as Dodge opened with Ware County in Cordele. As has been the case, Dodge got off to a slow start as Ware jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first. Dodge would come back in their half of the first. Roberson tripled with one out and Black followed with a walk. Gracie Lewis singled home Roberson for a 6-1 game. Logan White knocked in Black for a 6-2 game. Sidney Powell knocked in Lewis for a 6-3 game. Ware added to the lead in the second as they scored three more for a 9-3 game but back came Dodge. Dylanna Barton singled and stole second with one out. Aniyah Black got a two-out single to cut the lead to 9-4. Black would score on an error and Lewis knocked in Harvey for a 9-6 game.
The game was still 9-6 when Dodge came to the plate in the third. Barton doubled to left center that scored Kyla Howell for a 9-7 game. Robertson would double and score for a 9-8 game. Black would get an RBI double to finally tie the game at 9-9. The game stayed at 9-9 going to extra innings as the time limit ran out. Ware scored a pair of runs in the sixth for an 11-9 win.
Linzy Bowen got the ball on the mound for Dodge against Brantley County. Dodge trailed 2.0 but it could have been worse as Bowen got a pair of strikeouts to leave the bases loaded. The game was still 2-0 going to the bottom of the second. Ava Roland doubled with two outs and Jainavae Patillo walked with two out. Barton got an RBI hit scoring Ethridge who was running for Roland. Aniyah Black singled home Patillo to tie the game at 2-2. Bowen settled down on the mound as she had four strikeouts through three innings. Dodge would grab the lead in the bottom of the inning. Logan White reached on an error and Sydney Powell walked with one out. Bailey Harvey got a sacrifice fly to score White for a 3-2 Dodge lead. Powell would steal home for a 4-2 Dodge lead. Bowen had an easy top of the fourth and Dodge would increase the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Barton doubled to left to lead off the inning. Aniyah Black would hit a sacrifice fly to score Barton. Roberson moved Barton with a ground out. Brantley had one more swing at things in the fifth, as the 90-minute time limit was about to run out. A walk and a pair of hits loaded the bases. Pop-ups to Sydney Powell and Bailey Harvey would end this one and Dodge would take a 5-2 win.
Sports - Topics from August, 2019
Russ's Sports Review
You can say a lot of things about the Braves’ week but boring wasn’t one of them. They beat the Dodgers, who are the National League’s best team, in a best of three. They won despite starting two players that weren’t in the majors a week earlier. The bullpen had back-to-back strong finishes. Star outfielders were also snatched out of the game for not hustling. The lead was five games over the Nationals going into Tuesday night’s series against the Marlins.
Let’s start with who is he. A week ago the Braves bought up veteran minor league Rafael Ortega. He has been around for a while as he made his MLB debut in September of 2012. He made his first start for the Braves Sunday against the Dodgers. You know the rest. He would hit a grand slam that helped beat the Dodgers 5-3. It looks like Inciarte and Markakis are both probably out for most of the remaining season anyway. They made another outfield move on Monday as they picked up veteran Billy Hamilton off of waivers. Hamilton has blazing speed and plays a great defensive outfield. Hamilton has one huge problem. He can’t hit. If he could just steal first, that may happen one day because remember it’s happening in the independent leagues on balls that go in the dirt the batter can run. So maybe one day. Expect him to be a late inning defensive replacement and a pinch runner.
They also made an infielder move as they picked up Aldeiny Hechavarria. He was originally picked up by Toronto under Alex Anthropolis. He will play a really good shortstop until Dansby Swanson returns, hopefully by the end of this month. He got some big hits over the weekend and he made some plays in the field.
Did new pick up Shane Greene turn the corner over the weekend? He looked great in a pair of eighth inning outings, against the Dodgers no less. Also, Mark Melanson really looked good in the closers role. I think the pen will be the key to how far this team goes in the post-season. The most bizarre was with Ronald Acuna. He thought he had his 35th homerun on Sunday so he posed for a second at the plate. The only problem is that it didn’t go out of the park. He settled for a long single! He then got thrown out trying to steal second. That got him a justified early exit from the game as Snitker pulled him. That was similar to Andrew Jones getting pulled for show boating on a catch that he didn’t make. No telling what the week has to offer.
In case you missed it, Georgia is ranked number three in the AP and coaches poll. It looks like a healthy Zamir “Zeus” White is making quite the impact in Bulldog practices. He looks healthy and he could make a huge impact in the 2019 season.
Let’s start with who is he. A week ago the Braves bought up veteran minor league Rafael Ortega. He has been around for a while as he made his MLB debut in September of 2012. He made his first start for the Braves Sunday against the Dodgers. You know the rest. He would hit a grand slam that helped beat the Dodgers 5-3. It looks like Inciarte and Markakis are both probably out for most of the remaining season anyway. They made another outfield move on Monday as they picked up veteran Billy Hamilton off of waivers. Hamilton has blazing speed and plays a great defensive outfield. Hamilton has one huge problem. He can’t hit. If he could just steal first, that may happen one day because remember it’s happening in the independent leagues on balls that go in the dirt the batter can run. So maybe one day. Expect him to be a late inning defensive replacement and a pinch runner.
They also made an infielder move as they picked up Aldeiny Hechavarria. He was originally picked up by Toronto under Alex Anthropolis. He will play a really good shortstop until Dansby Swanson returns, hopefully by the end of this month. He got some big hits over the weekend and he made some plays in the field.
Did new pick up Shane Greene turn the corner over the weekend? He looked great in a pair of eighth inning outings, against the Dodgers no less. Also, Mark Melanson really looked good in the closers role. I think the pen will be the key to how far this team goes in the post-season. The most bizarre was with Ronald Acuna. He thought he had his 35th homerun on Sunday so he posed for a second at the plate. The only problem is that it didn’t go out of the park. He settled for a long single! He then got thrown out trying to steal second. That got him a justified early exit from the game as Snitker pulled him. That was similar to Andrew Jones getting pulled for show boating on a catch that he didn’t make. No telling what the week has to offer.
In case you missed it, Georgia is ranked number three in the AP and coaches poll. It looks like a healthy Zamir “Zeus” White is making quite the impact in Bulldog practices. He looks healthy and he could make a huge impact in the 2019 season.
Lady Indians open season with loss against Perry, 10-2
The Dodge High Lady Indians opened their 2019 softball season on Thursday as they traveled to Perry. The game didn’t go well for the Lady Indians as they dropped a 10-2 decision. On Saturday, Dodge traveled to Harlem to play in the Chic Fil A Tournament. Dodge won the opening game 2-0 over Lakeside. The Lady Indians dropped a 6-5 decision to Washington-Wilkes. Dodge returns to play Thursday as they travel to Northeast Macon. They also play Saturday in the Watermelon Tournament in Cordele. They open with Ware County at 9:30 a.m. They play Brantley County at 1:30 p.m. Dodge will not return to home action on Tuesday, August 27. The game scheduled for Tuesday, August 20 against Dublin will not be played. Also, the game scheduled for September 12 in Dublin will not be played. Dodge will play East Laurens on August 27.
It was a rough season opener for Dodge County in Perry. Dodge couldn’t get started as they trailed 7-0 after two innings. Dodge got on the board in the fifth. Makiyah Roberson doubled and scored. Aniyah Black added a long homer to left center to cut the Perry lead to 7-2. Black added another single. Dylanna Barton added a hit in the game. The final was 10-2.
Dodge traveled to Harlem Saturday to play in the Chic Fil A Tournament. Dodge opened up against Lakeside. Linzy Bowen got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. Dodge got on the board in the first. Dylanna Barton opened with a walk and she would score on a fly out by Aniyah Black for a 1-0 Dodge lead. Bowen worked around a walk as Ava Roland threw out a would be stolen base and the Dodge lead stayed 1-0. Bowen got on a roll after that. She retired eight in a row including four strikeouts.
Dodge added an insurance run in the fifth. Gracie Lewis led off with a single and she would score on a fly out from Dylanna Barton and the lead would go to 2-0. Bowen went the distance allowing just two hits and striking out seven.
Dodge trailed 2-0 going to the third against Washington-Wilkes. Kyla Howell would lead off the third with a single. Bailey Harvey would double her home to make it a 2-1 game. Logan White would drive in Harvey to tie the game at 2-2.
The Lady Indians took the lead in the fourth. Aniyah Black doubled to lead off the inning and Gracie Lewis walked. Ava Roland knocked in Black for a 3-2 Dodge lead. Howell would drive in Lewis for a 4-2 game. Logan White would drive in Howell and the Dodge lead would reach 5-2. Unfortunately Dodge couldn’t hang on to the lead. Wilkes would rally back in the fifth. They would score four runs and take the 6-5 win.
It was a rough season opener for Dodge County in Perry. Dodge couldn’t get started as they trailed 7-0 after two innings. Dodge got on the board in the fifth. Makiyah Roberson doubled and scored. Aniyah Black added a long homer to left center to cut the Perry lead to 7-2. Black added another single. Dylanna Barton added a hit in the game. The final was 10-2.
Dodge traveled to Harlem Saturday to play in the Chic Fil A Tournament. Dodge opened up against Lakeside. Linzy Bowen got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. Dodge got on the board in the first. Dylanna Barton opened with a walk and she would score on a fly out by Aniyah Black for a 1-0 Dodge lead. Bowen worked around a walk as Ava Roland threw out a would be stolen base and the Dodge lead stayed 1-0. Bowen got on a roll after that. She retired eight in a row including four strikeouts.
Dodge added an insurance run in the fifth. Gracie Lewis led off with a single and she would score on a fly out from Dylanna Barton and the lead would go to 2-0. Bowen went the distance allowing just two hits and striking out seven.
Dodge trailed 2-0 going to the third against Washington-Wilkes. Kyla Howell would lead off the third with a single. Bailey Harvey would double her home to make it a 2-1 game. Logan White would drive in Harvey to tie the game at 2-2.
The Lady Indians took the lead in the fourth. Aniyah Black doubled to lead off the inning and Gracie Lewis walked. Ava Roland knocked in Black for a 3-2 Dodge lead. Howell would drive in Lewis for a 4-2 game. Logan White would drive in Howell and the Dodge lead would reach 5-2. Unfortunately Dodge couldn’t hang on to the lead. Wilkes would rally back in the fifth. They would score four runs and take the 6-5 win.
Dodge defeats Hawkinsville 51-0 in scrimmage
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County opened the 2019 football season by traveling to Hawkinsville for a preseason scrimmage with the Red Devils. Many Dodge County fans braved the heat in order to get an early look at this year’s team. On the field, Hawkinsville was outnumbered and outmanned from the start.
Hawkinsville started on offense. On the first play from scrimmage, Caleb Fluellen got immediate penetration up the middle flushing the quarterback out of the pocket where Elisha Williams sacked him for a 10 yard loss. On second down, Jamal Mahan dropped the running back for a loss of three yards. Hawkinsville got 14 yards back on third down, but Keldrick Beck dropped the quarterback well short of the first down forcing a punt.
Dodge took over at its own 45 yard line where Noah Cummings faked a handoff and hit Mikhail Carr for a 65 yard touchdown pass. Carr ran right past his defender on a simple vertical route, and Cummings hit him in stride. Mason Mangham added the extra point for a 7-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge held Hawkinsville to only three plays on its next possession highlighted by Daylon Gordon dropping the quarterback for a six yard loss.
After a Hawkinsville punt, Dodge took over at the Hawkinsville 45 yard line where Gordon took a handoff running over one defender and spinning out of the arms of another defender on his way to a 32 yard run. Cummings would later roll right and hit Timmy Johnson on a 12 yard pass to the one yard line. Cummings would call his own number from there taking it in for the one yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, and Dodge had a 13-0 lead.
On Hawkinsville’s next possession, Javon McNeal dropped the running back for a loss of two yards on first down. Blaine Pritchett blew up Hawkinsville’s second down play when he hit the ball carrier five yards in the backfield allowing Cummings to fly in to finish him off for a seven yard loss. Hawkinsville was able to complete a long third down pass for a first down at the Dodge 46 yard line. Three plays later, Carr intercepted a pass at the Dodge 30 yard line and set sail down the sideline for what appeared to be a 70 yard return for a touchdown. However, a Dodge defender turned blocker could not resist an opportunity to level the Hawkinsville quarterback well behind the play. Until recently, this type of block would have been legal as players were warned to “keep your head on a swivel.” However, the block is no longer legal in high school football due to player safety concerns. As a result, the interception would stand, but Carr’s touchdown was negated and a penalty marked off from the spot of the foul leaving the ball at the Hawkinsville 45 yard line.
Kade Harpe came in to run the Dodge offense. Nathan Coley used his speed as he went around the left side for a gain of 35 yards to the Hawkinsville 10 yard line. Fluellen blocked both the defensive end and the linebacker on the play. Another Coley run moved the ball to the 1 yard line. On the next play, Coley lined up for a direct snap. Hawkinsville got penetration, and Coley fumbled the snap which Hawkinsville recovered.
On the next play, Hawkinsville went to the air again resulting in another interception for Carr as his momentum carried him out of bounds at the Hawkinsville 30 yard line. After Tyrese Johnson rushed for 7 yards on a jet sweep, Harpe went to work on the short passing game. He hit Jackson Bowen for 3 yards and a first down. A five yard pass to Ja’lon Jaynes was backed up due to a holding call on the perimeter. Harpe hit Beck on what appeared to be a 23 yard touchdown on a wide receiver screen pass, but another holding call on the perimeter negated the touchdown. Dodge would eventually miss a field goal.
Hawkinsville took over on its 35 yard line where they managed to start a drive aided by Dodge penalties. However, Carr intercepted a pass on the Dodge goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Gabe Thompson added the extra point giving Dodge a 20-0 lead early in the second quarter.
On the next Hawkinsville possession, Jamerius Hines hauled in a one handed interception and returned it 38 yards. Later, Coley took a direct snap from the Hawkinsville 15 yard line and ran up the middle behind lead blockers Cummings, McNeal and Davis Marchant before cutting to the sideline for an apparent touchdown run, which was again negated by a holding penalty on the perimeter. Coley then carried for 9 yards, and Elisha Williams carried for five yards to the Hawkinsville one yard line. On the next play, Williams muffed the direct snap giving Hawkinsville the ball on its own five yard line.
Hawkinsville was able to escape the shadow of its own goal line with the help of a questionable pass interference call. On third down, AJ Melvin applied pressure up the middle causing an incomplete pass and forcing a Hawkinsville punt.
Dodge took over on the Hawkinsville 35 yard line. On third down, Cummings hit Seth Cossett for 12 yards on a tight end screen pass. On the next play, Gordon took the handoff and with Cossett leading the way ran untouched up the middle for a 23 yard touchdown. Mangham added the extra point for a 27-0 Dodge lead.
Hawkinsville tried to put together a drive before halftime, but Coley intercepted a pass inside the Dodge 20 yard line. Harpe came back in to run the offense. Harpe hit Kevin Sykes for 15 yards and Timmy Johnson for 12 yards. Harpe scrambled for a 19 yard gain. Coley had a nine yard run, and Jayleen Lemon had a six yard run. Harpe hit Lemon on a screen pass, and Lemon raced 30 yards for a touchdown.
Thompson nailed the extra point, and Dodge led 34-0.
Dodge forced another Hawkinsville punt, and Cummings came back out to run the offense. Carr had a 10 yard run. Cummings hit Tyrese Johnson running a post pattern for 21 yards and Gordon on a screen pass for 22 yards. However, Dodge could not score after reaching the Hawkinsville 16 yard line as the first half ended.
Coach Ken Cofer would sit most of his starters to start the third quarter. Hunter Kirkley came in to run the offense behind the first team offensive line, which was still in the game. Jakevious Bray had runs of 35 yards and 8 yards to open the drive. Kirkley would later score on a 5 yard quarterback keeper. Mangham added the extra point, and Dodge led 41-0.
Javarious Collins had an interception to give the ball back to Dodge at the Hawkinsville 40 yard line. Ty Denton came in to run the offense. Behind the running of Bray and Rico Caines, Dodge drove to the Hawkinsville 10 yard line where Thompson connected on a 27 yard field goal giving Dodge a 44-0 lead.
Dodge then stopped Hawkinsville on fourth down and took over at its own 30 yard line. Kirkley re-entered at quarterback and hit Jonah Collins with a 15 yard pass. Kirkley then faked a handoff and rushed around the right side for a 55 yard touchdown to cap the scoring. Mangham added the extra point making the final score: Dodge 51 Hawkinsville 0.
Statistical leaders for Dodge were as follows: Nathan Coley led the team in rushing with 68 yards on 6 carries with a long of 35 yards. Jakevious Bray had 67 yards on six carries with a long of 35 yards. Daylon Gordon had 66 yards on 5 carries including a 23 yard touchdown. Hunter Kirkley had 60 yards on 2 carries including a 55 yard touchdown.
Noah Cummings was 4/9 passing for 110 yards with 1 touchdown. Kade Harpe was 6/10 passing for 63 yards with 1 touchdown. Hunter Kirkley was 1/1 passing for 15 yards.
Eleven different receivers caught passes for Dodge. Timmy Johnson led in receptions with 2. Mikhail Carr had a 55 yard touchdown reception. Jayleen Lemon had a 30 yard touchdown reception.
Javon McNeal led the defense with eight tackles including five tackles for loss. Daylon Gordon had 4 tackles including two tackles for loss. Elisha Williams had 3 tackles including a sack. Noah Cummings had three tackles including two tackles for loss. Blaine Pritchett had two tackles including one tackle for loss.
Mikhail Carr had three interceptions including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Jamerius Hines, Nathan Coley and Javarious Collins each had one interception.
Mason Mangham was 0/1 on field goals and 4/4 on extra points. Gabe Thompson was 1/1 with a 27 yard field goal and 2/3 on extra points.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the offensive line. These guys are the most important position group on any football team and often the least recognized. Starters were Center Pat Stevenson, Right Guard Hunter Rahn, Left Guard Jarred Frost, Right Tackle Colby Lee, and Left Tackle Noah Pace. Davis Marchant started at Tight End. Five of the six were making their first varsity start. Caleb Fluellen, Cameron Gooch, Seth Cossett and Javon McNeal also played extensively. They did a good job opening holes in the running game and protecting the quarterbacks all night.
The game was never in question, but Dodge had plenty of mistakes that will need to be corrected before the regular season starts on August 23rd at 7:30 pm as the Indians host 6A Bradwell Institute. Come out and support the Indians.
Dodge County opened the 2019 football season by traveling to Hawkinsville for a preseason scrimmage with the Red Devils. Many Dodge County fans braved the heat in order to get an early look at this year’s team. On the field, Hawkinsville was outnumbered and outmanned from the start.
Hawkinsville started on offense. On the first play from scrimmage, Caleb Fluellen got immediate penetration up the middle flushing the quarterback out of the pocket where Elisha Williams sacked him for a 10 yard loss. On second down, Jamal Mahan dropped the running back for a loss of three yards. Hawkinsville got 14 yards back on third down, but Keldrick Beck dropped the quarterback well short of the first down forcing a punt.
Dodge took over at its own 45 yard line where Noah Cummings faked a handoff and hit Mikhail Carr for a 65 yard touchdown pass. Carr ran right past his defender on a simple vertical route, and Cummings hit him in stride. Mason Mangham added the extra point for a 7-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge held Hawkinsville to only three plays on its next possession highlighted by Daylon Gordon dropping the quarterback for a six yard loss.
After a Hawkinsville punt, Dodge took over at the Hawkinsville 45 yard line where Gordon took a handoff running over one defender and spinning out of the arms of another defender on his way to a 32 yard run. Cummings would later roll right and hit Timmy Johnson on a 12 yard pass to the one yard line. Cummings would call his own number from there taking it in for the one yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, and Dodge had a 13-0 lead.
On Hawkinsville’s next possession, Javon McNeal dropped the running back for a loss of two yards on first down. Blaine Pritchett blew up Hawkinsville’s second down play when he hit the ball carrier five yards in the backfield allowing Cummings to fly in to finish him off for a seven yard loss. Hawkinsville was able to complete a long third down pass for a first down at the Dodge 46 yard line. Three plays later, Carr intercepted a pass at the Dodge 30 yard line and set sail down the sideline for what appeared to be a 70 yard return for a touchdown. However, a Dodge defender turned blocker could not resist an opportunity to level the Hawkinsville quarterback well behind the play. Until recently, this type of block would have been legal as players were warned to “keep your head on a swivel.” However, the block is no longer legal in high school football due to player safety concerns. As a result, the interception would stand, but Carr’s touchdown was negated and a penalty marked off from the spot of the foul leaving the ball at the Hawkinsville 45 yard line.
Kade Harpe came in to run the Dodge offense. Nathan Coley used his speed as he went around the left side for a gain of 35 yards to the Hawkinsville 10 yard line. Fluellen blocked both the defensive end and the linebacker on the play. Another Coley run moved the ball to the 1 yard line. On the next play, Coley lined up for a direct snap. Hawkinsville got penetration, and Coley fumbled the snap which Hawkinsville recovered.
On the next play, Hawkinsville went to the air again resulting in another interception for Carr as his momentum carried him out of bounds at the Hawkinsville 30 yard line. After Tyrese Johnson rushed for 7 yards on a jet sweep, Harpe went to work on the short passing game. He hit Jackson Bowen for 3 yards and a first down. A five yard pass to Ja’lon Jaynes was backed up due to a holding call on the perimeter. Harpe hit Beck on what appeared to be a 23 yard touchdown on a wide receiver screen pass, but another holding call on the perimeter negated the touchdown. Dodge would eventually miss a field goal.
Hawkinsville took over on its 35 yard line where they managed to start a drive aided by Dodge penalties. However, Carr intercepted a pass on the Dodge goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Gabe Thompson added the extra point giving Dodge a 20-0 lead early in the second quarter.
On the next Hawkinsville possession, Jamerius Hines hauled in a one handed interception and returned it 38 yards. Later, Coley took a direct snap from the Hawkinsville 15 yard line and ran up the middle behind lead blockers Cummings, McNeal and Davis Marchant before cutting to the sideline for an apparent touchdown run, which was again negated by a holding penalty on the perimeter. Coley then carried for 9 yards, and Elisha Williams carried for five yards to the Hawkinsville one yard line. On the next play, Williams muffed the direct snap giving Hawkinsville the ball on its own five yard line.
Hawkinsville was able to escape the shadow of its own goal line with the help of a questionable pass interference call. On third down, AJ Melvin applied pressure up the middle causing an incomplete pass and forcing a Hawkinsville punt.
Dodge took over on the Hawkinsville 35 yard line. On third down, Cummings hit Seth Cossett for 12 yards on a tight end screen pass. On the next play, Gordon took the handoff and with Cossett leading the way ran untouched up the middle for a 23 yard touchdown. Mangham added the extra point for a 27-0 Dodge lead.
Hawkinsville tried to put together a drive before halftime, but Coley intercepted a pass inside the Dodge 20 yard line. Harpe came back in to run the offense. Harpe hit Kevin Sykes for 15 yards and Timmy Johnson for 12 yards. Harpe scrambled for a 19 yard gain. Coley had a nine yard run, and Jayleen Lemon had a six yard run. Harpe hit Lemon on a screen pass, and Lemon raced 30 yards for a touchdown.
Thompson nailed the extra point, and Dodge led 34-0.
Dodge forced another Hawkinsville punt, and Cummings came back out to run the offense. Carr had a 10 yard run. Cummings hit Tyrese Johnson running a post pattern for 21 yards and Gordon on a screen pass for 22 yards. However, Dodge could not score after reaching the Hawkinsville 16 yard line as the first half ended.
Coach Ken Cofer would sit most of his starters to start the third quarter. Hunter Kirkley came in to run the offense behind the first team offensive line, which was still in the game. Jakevious Bray had runs of 35 yards and 8 yards to open the drive. Kirkley would later score on a 5 yard quarterback keeper. Mangham added the extra point, and Dodge led 41-0.
Javarious Collins had an interception to give the ball back to Dodge at the Hawkinsville 40 yard line. Ty Denton came in to run the offense. Behind the running of Bray and Rico Caines, Dodge drove to the Hawkinsville 10 yard line where Thompson connected on a 27 yard field goal giving Dodge a 44-0 lead.
Dodge then stopped Hawkinsville on fourth down and took over at its own 30 yard line. Kirkley re-entered at quarterback and hit Jonah Collins with a 15 yard pass. Kirkley then faked a handoff and rushed around the right side for a 55 yard touchdown to cap the scoring. Mangham added the extra point making the final score: Dodge 51 Hawkinsville 0.
Statistical leaders for Dodge were as follows: Nathan Coley led the team in rushing with 68 yards on 6 carries with a long of 35 yards. Jakevious Bray had 67 yards on six carries with a long of 35 yards. Daylon Gordon had 66 yards on 5 carries including a 23 yard touchdown. Hunter Kirkley had 60 yards on 2 carries including a 55 yard touchdown.
Noah Cummings was 4/9 passing for 110 yards with 1 touchdown. Kade Harpe was 6/10 passing for 63 yards with 1 touchdown. Hunter Kirkley was 1/1 passing for 15 yards.
Eleven different receivers caught passes for Dodge. Timmy Johnson led in receptions with 2. Mikhail Carr had a 55 yard touchdown reception. Jayleen Lemon had a 30 yard touchdown reception.
Javon McNeal led the defense with eight tackles including five tackles for loss. Daylon Gordon had 4 tackles including two tackles for loss. Elisha Williams had 3 tackles including a sack. Noah Cummings had three tackles including two tackles for loss. Blaine Pritchett had two tackles including one tackle for loss.
Mikhail Carr had three interceptions including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Jamerius Hines, Nathan Coley and Javarious Collins each had one interception.
Mason Mangham was 0/1 on field goals and 4/4 on extra points. Gabe Thompson was 1/1 with a 27 yard field goal and 2/3 on extra points.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the offensive line. These guys are the most important position group on any football team and often the least recognized. Starters were Center Pat Stevenson, Right Guard Hunter Rahn, Left Guard Jarred Frost, Right Tackle Colby Lee, and Left Tackle Noah Pace. Davis Marchant started at Tight End. Five of the six were making their first varsity start. Caleb Fluellen, Cameron Gooch, Seth Cossett and Javon McNeal also played extensively. They did a good job opening holes in the running game and protecting the quarterbacks all night.
The game was never in question, but Dodge had plenty of mistakes that will need to be corrected before the regular season starts on August 23rd at 7:30 pm as the Indians host 6A Bradwell Institute. Come out and support the Indians.
Team Bullseye places at nationals
Dodge County was represented at the 2019 National Archery in Schools Program Championship in Nashville, Tennessee held in late July. Noah Coleman participated in the bullseye flight and scored 294 out of a possible 300. Noah, along with Jacob Towns and Deanna Yancey shot in the 3-D championship. They all ranked in the top twenty-five percent of the national archers participating. “ These archers practiced hard and showed a true commitment to their team, school,” stated Elaine Pittman, head coach of the Dodge County Team Bullseye. Coaches Jason and Brenda Williams escorted these team members to the competition. The Dodge County Team Bullseye is so grateful and appreciative for the Williams’ contribution to the team as well as the entire coaching staff. We are also so thankful for the contributions made to this team by Gabby Ellis Cossett, George Johnson and Chris Bass.
Russ's Sports Review
By Russ Ragan
I really debated on whether to talk baseball this week, but I decided to go ahead anyway. If you can watch the Braves bullpen pitch regardless of the lead, you are tougher than me. Despite blowing a couple of wins and making some big leads very interesting, the Atlanta lead was still 6.5 games going into the start of a huge home stand against the Mets and Dodgers. Thanks to the Nationals playing no better over their last 10 games, both were at 5-5.
The big story has been the bullpen. They have now had Jackson, Greene, Melancon and now Jackson as the team’s closers, all of the changes have happened in the last two weeks. On the bright side, the offense has been really good and it’s led by the kids. Albies has been really good the last two weeks. He has been 25 for 62 with three homers. The hot streak has put his season average over .300. The only hitter that has been hotter is teammate Ronald Acuna. Acuna has 20 hits with eight homeruns and 16 RBIs. Throw in four stolen bases and its been a good role. He now has 33 homeruns, 80 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. No Brave has ever had a 40 homerun, 40 stolen base season. Not a bad season so far for the 21 year old. Very quietly, Freeman has been very good as well. He has 32 hits the last 14 games with six homeruns and 27 RBIs. He has 29 homeruns and 95 RBIs for the season and better than a .300 average.
Let’s take a look at the young Braves at AAA Gwinnett. Drew Waters has recovered from a slow start and is hitting better than .300 for the season. The other big prospect Cristian Pache is off to a slow start. He is just hitting .228 but it’s way too early to judge as both of them have only played six games at AAA. The big pitcher that made his way to AAA is right-hander Ian Anderson. He got his first win in Gwinnett on Monday in a 3-1 win. He went six innings allowing only three hits and an earned run. Hopefully all three of these young very talented players will play a major role in the 2020 Atlanta season.
One thing about the Falcons’ pre-season, they aren’t giving out any secrets. So far there has been no Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Sanu or Freeman in pre-season play. Back up quarterback Matt Schaub was much better in the second game. Hopefully some of the stars will get at least a little playing time Thursday night against the Jets. Don’t put anything in the Birds’ pre-season. They have lost 10 in a row. In case you missed it, they traded back up tight end Eric Saubert to the Patriots for a conditional seventh round draft pick. I guess Brady needed a new tight end after Gronkowski retired last year.
I really debated on whether to talk baseball this week, but I decided to go ahead anyway. If you can watch the Braves bullpen pitch regardless of the lead, you are tougher than me. Despite blowing a couple of wins and making some big leads very interesting, the Atlanta lead was still 6.5 games going into the start of a huge home stand against the Mets and Dodgers. Thanks to the Nationals playing no better over their last 10 games, both were at 5-5.
The big story has been the bullpen. They have now had Jackson, Greene, Melancon and now Jackson as the team’s closers, all of the changes have happened in the last two weeks. On the bright side, the offense has been really good and it’s led by the kids. Albies has been really good the last two weeks. He has been 25 for 62 with three homers. The hot streak has put his season average over .300. The only hitter that has been hotter is teammate Ronald Acuna. Acuna has 20 hits with eight homeruns and 16 RBIs. Throw in four stolen bases and its been a good role. He now has 33 homeruns, 80 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. No Brave has ever had a 40 homerun, 40 stolen base season. Not a bad season so far for the 21 year old. Very quietly, Freeman has been very good as well. He has 32 hits the last 14 games with six homeruns and 27 RBIs. He has 29 homeruns and 95 RBIs for the season and better than a .300 average.
Let’s take a look at the young Braves at AAA Gwinnett. Drew Waters has recovered from a slow start and is hitting better than .300 for the season. The other big prospect Cristian Pache is off to a slow start. He is just hitting .228 but it’s way too early to judge as both of them have only played six games at AAA. The big pitcher that made his way to AAA is right-hander Ian Anderson. He got his first win in Gwinnett on Monday in a 3-1 win. He went six innings allowing only three hits and an earned run. Hopefully all three of these young very talented players will play a major role in the 2020 Atlanta season.
One thing about the Falcons’ pre-season, they aren’t giving out any secrets. So far there has been no Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Sanu or Freeman in pre-season play. Back up quarterback Matt Schaub was much better in the second game. Hopefully some of the stars will get at least a little playing time Thursday night against the Jets. Don’t put anything in the Birds’ pre-season. They have lost 10 in a row. In case you missed it, they traded back up tight end Eric Saubert to the Patriots for a conditional seventh round draft pick. I guess Brady needed a new tight end after Gronkowski retired last year.
Eastman Heat Wins Tournament
The Eastman Heat travelling basketball teams participated in the KB Sports Gold Championship held on July 27 and 28 in Macon. Three teams from Eastman participated including the middle school girls and boys and the high school girls. The middle school boys and the high school girls both came in first place. A special thanks to Robert Carr for organizing the Heat and for his dedication to the teams. This year coach Carr used the quote from coach John Peacock “All it takes, is all we got” to help motivate the kids. Pictured above (kneeling, l-r) are team members Jaedon McClendon, Cameron Mills and Omari Jackson. Back row (l-r) are Lamarie Mitchell, Sherman Clay, Jr., coach Smoke, Ja’Boree Graham and Keontez Champion.
Team Dodge Wins Memorial Tournament
Team “Dodge” were the winners of the 9th annual Derek “Dee” Taylor Memorial Youth Co-Ed Tournament held at Springdale Park in Dublin on July 27, 2019.
Team members pictured above were Tucker Sheffield, Justin Burse, Cullen Hardy, Scarlett Parkerson, Reaya Dominy, Brandon White, Jada Davis, Gabby Robinson, Cain Mincey and Lily Farrell.
Coaches for the team were Cody Sheffield, David White, Dylan Hardy and Jesse Mincey.
Team members pictured above were Tucker Sheffield, Justin Burse, Cullen Hardy, Scarlett Parkerson, Reaya Dominy, Brandon White, Jada Davis, Gabby Robinson, Cain Mincey and Lily Farrell.
Coaches for the team were Cody Sheffield, David White, Dylan Hardy and Jesse Mincey.
Russ's Sports Review
I said that the July 31 trade deadline would be huge and I think all three trades should work out nicely. Personally, I would have loved one more starter but I will take all three they picked up. The biggest trade was picking up Shane Greene from Detroit. I know he struggled Sunday in particular against the Reds. I really like him. You have to keep in mind that he had very few “pressure” save chances with the last place Tigers who he has been with since 2015. Give him some time to get adjusted to a pennant race and he will be fine. The Braves gave up left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz and infielder Travis Demeritte. Wentz was at one time a huge prospect but it just hasn’t panned out. As for Demeritte, he was a big prospect in Texas before coming to the Braves system. He was good at AAA Gwinnett but I really like the deal for the Braves.
The next trade was a surprise as Atlanta picked up Mark Melancon from the Giants. The veteran has been a closer throughout his career that included the Nationals. He had some health issues the first part of the season but he has really pitched well the last month or so. The player return wasn’t huge. The Braves sent Dan Winkler who was already released by the Giants and Tristan Beck. The main thing Atlanta gave up in the deal was cash as they picked up the 18 million dollars owed to him for the rest of this year and 2020.
If there is one deal that worries me just a little, it’s actually the first one. On Tuesday, the Braves got Chris Martin, a 6-foot, 8-inch right-hander from Texas for one time top prospect Kolby Allard. Unlike the others, Martin is a rental and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Martin will be a set up guy for the Braves. He most certainly will throw strikes as he has four for the entire season. As for Allard, he was a top prospect for the Braves. He struggled as he had a rough start in Atlanta. He has only been so-so for Gwinnet this year. I am sure Martin will help this year but Allard has a chance to have a strong future.
Then there was Monday afternoon. The Braves put starting pitcher Kevin Gausman on waivers. That’s not unusual as that happens in August. A lot of players get put on waivers and get pulled back if claimed. The Reds made a claim on Gausman and the Braves said he is yours! That is unusual and yes the Reds are responsible for the near 3 million left on this year’s contract. That was a bold move by the Braves but I do like it. The Braves made another move on Monday as they signed Lucas Duda to a minor league deal. You remember Duda. Atlanta got him last year. He was sent to Gwinnet to work on his swing. Hopefully he can help in late August. Speaking of minor league contracts, they also signed Lane Adams. He will be exclusively a bench guy with lots of speed. One final move on a very busy Monday. They sent top prospects Cristian Pache, Drew Waters and Ian Anderson to AAA Gwinnet. Pache and Waters are both great outfield prospects while Anderson is the top starting pitching prospect. I think we could see all three in significant roles in 2020.
We will wrap up this week with some sad pro wrestling news. Legendary world champion Harley Race has died. Race was a multi-time NWA World Champion. His feuds with Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes were legendary. I got the chance to see Race in person one time as he beat Tommy Rich in Macon.
The next trade was a surprise as Atlanta picked up Mark Melancon from the Giants. The veteran has been a closer throughout his career that included the Nationals. He had some health issues the first part of the season but he has really pitched well the last month or so. The player return wasn’t huge. The Braves sent Dan Winkler who was already released by the Giants and Tristan Beck. The main thing Atlanta gave up in the deal was cash as they picked up the 18 million dollars owed to him for the rest of this year and 2020.
If there is one deal that worries me just a little, it’s actually the first one. On Tuesday, the Braves got Chris Martin, a 6-foot, 8-inch right-hander from Texas for one time top prospect Kolby Allard. Unlike the others, Martin is a rental and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Martin will be a set up guy for the Braves. He most certainly will throw strikes as he has four for the entire season. As for Allard, he was a top prospect for the Braves. He struggled as he had a rough start in Atlanta. He has only been so-so for Gwinnet this year. I am sure Martin will help this year but Allard has a chance to have a strong future.
Then there was Monday afternoon. The Braves put starting pitcher Kevin Gausman on waivers. That’s not unusual as that happens in August. A lot of players get put on waivers and get pulled back if claimed. The Reds made a claim on Gausman and the Braves said he is yours! That is unusual and yes the Reds are responsible for the near 3 million left on this year’s contract. That was a bold move by the Braves but I do like it. The Braves made another move on Monday as they signed Lucas Duda to a minor league deal. You remember Duda. Atlanta got him last year. He was sent to Gwinnet to work on his swing. Hopefully he can help in late August. Speaking of minor league contracts, they also signed Lane Adams. He will be exclusively a bench guy with lots of speed. One final move on a very busy Monday. They sent top prospects Cristian Pache, Drew Waters and Ian Anderson to AAA Gwinnet. Pache and Waters are both great outfield prospects while Anderson is the top starting pitching prospect. I think we could see all three in significant roles in 2020.
We will wrap up this week with some sad pro wrestling news. Legendary world champion Harley Race has died. Race was a multi-time NWA World Champion. His feuds with Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes were legendary. I got the chance to see Race in person one time as he beat Tommy Rich in Macon.
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