Sports
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.
Lady Indians clinch top seed going undefeated in region play
By Russ Ragan
It was a big conclusion to the regular season for the Dodge High Lady Indian Softball team. They defeated AAAA Veterans on the road 13-8 in extra innings on Monday.
The big game was Tuesday, as Dodge hosted Bleckley County with the first seed in the region tournament on the line. The game was played in front of a full house in Eastman. The Lady Indians scored a first inning run and then scored four big insurance runs late to clinch the 5-0 win. The win gave the Lady Indians the top seed in the region tournament that started last night in Dublin.
The week started with a tough road game against Veterans. Dodge dropped a tough 6-5 game in Eastman to Veterans earlier in the year.
Dodge claimed the early lead in the first. Sara Lann would drive in Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, who walked, and Dodge would take a 1-0 lead. Veterans rallied in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead.
The game stayed 2-1 Veterans until the top of the fifth. Jade Dowdy settled in after the first inning on the mound, as she retired nine out of ten batters. The Dodge bats would come alive in the fifth. Jade Dowdy would walk, and then Aniyah Black would hit a long homer to give Dodge a 3-2 lead. Jacey Dowdy and Lann would follow with singles. Hailey Hickman would drive in Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, for a 4-2 game. Amber Maxwell would drive in Lann, and the Dodge lead reached 5-2. Jenna Hickman’s sacrifice fly would score Maxwell to cap off the six-run inning and a 7-2 Dodge lead.
Veterans came back in the bottom of the fifth with an unearned run to cut the lead to 7-3. Dodge would answer in the top of the sixth. Jade Dowdy would help herself with a solo homer and an 8-3 lead. It would be a rough bottom of the sixth for the Lady Indians. Veterans would take advantage of a pair of Dodge errors to tie the game at 8-8.
Dodge would threaten in the top of the seventh but fail to score. The Lady Indians would make a pitching change, and freshman Linzy Bowen would come into the game. She had no trouble in the seventh, as she struck out a pair. This would send the game into extra innings. It would be the third time this year that Dodge had extra innings, and all three were on the road. The Lady Indians were 0-2 in games with extra innings, but today would be different.
Abby Manning, Jacey Dowdy and Lann would lead off the eighth inning with singles. Dodge would get runs batted in (RBIs) from Hailey Hickman, Maxwell and Jenna Hickman to take an 11-8 lead. Julianna Bellflower and Bowen would add RBIs to give Dodge a 13-8 lead going into the bottom of the eighth.
Veterans tried to make one final rally in the bottom of the inning. They got a pair of singles and a hit-by pitch to load the bases with two out. Bowen would get the final out on a strikeout, and Dodge would get the 13-8 win.
The season finale would be the big one. Bleckley County would come to town for the Lady Indians’ Senior Night. A win for Dodge would clinch the top seed in the region tournament. A Bleckley win would force a tie. Dodge would throw in a wrinkle, as Bowen would get the start on the mound.
Bowen would work in and out of trouble in the first. She would allow a hit and a walk with one out. She would get out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts. Dodge would get on the board in the first. Black would reach on a two-base error with two out. Manning would drive her home with a single to right field and Dodge would have the 1-0 lead.
Bowen would continue to strand base runners in the second and third. She would allow three walks, but she would get three strikeouts and a pair of fly outs to senior Hailey Hickman to get out of both innings. The Dodge offense could get very little going in the middle innings, as they were held to singles by Bellflower and Jacey Dowdy. Bowen got through the fourth and fifth innings, due to strong defense, in just ten pitches. Hailey Hickman made a good sliding catch to end the fourth. A double play in the fifth started by Bellflower on a fine play who threw to Black at short and to Lann at first to finish the inning.
The Lady Indians got some huge insurance runs in the home half of the fifth. Maxwell led off the inning with a single, and she advanced on an infield hit by Jenna Hickman. The Lady Royals tried to get Maxwell rounding second, but the throw was bad, as it went into deep left center that would score Maxwell, and Jenna Hickman would get all the way to third for a 2-0 game. Bellflower would drive in Jenna Hickman, and the lead would be 3-0 going into the sixth.
The Lady Royals would get a base runner in the sixth on a hit-by pitch, but Bowen’s seventh and eighth strikeouts of the game would strand the runner. Dodge would add to the lead in the bottom on the inning. With one out, Lann would single to left. Powell would come in and run for Lann. With one out, Hailey Hickman would lay down a bunt and Bleckley would throw it away, which put Powell at third and Hailey Hickman at second. Maxwell got another bunt down. Powell would score and Dodge would lead 4-0, and Maxwell would get all the way to second, as nobody was covering. The Lady Indians would try small ball one more time as Jenna Hickman got the bunt down, and Hailey Hickman scored for Dodge to take a 5-0 lead going into the seventh.
The Lady Royals tried to make one final rally against the freshman pitcher. They got a pair of singles around a fly ball to Jenna Hickman in center. The second hit was deep to left center, but a great throw by Hailey Hickman to third kept runners at first and second. A pop up to the first baseman Lann and a walk would load the bases with two out. Bowen would end the game with a bang, as she got her ninth strikeout on a called third strike to end the game. The win gave Dodge a 16-5 regular season record, and they are currently ranked number four in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution (AJC) AA top ten.
After the game, head coach Jennifer Bellflower said about the season so far, “It’s hard to believe the 2017-18 regular season is over. We are ready to begin preparing for postseason play. The team has come together over the course of this season, and we are excited to see what the coming weeks hold for us!”
It was a big conclusion to the regular season for the Dodge High Lady Indian Softball team. They defeated AAAA Veterans on the road 13-8 in extra innings on Monday.
The big game was Tuesday, as Dodge hosted Bleckley County with the first seed in the region tournament on the line. The game was played in front of a full house in Eastman. The Lady Indians scored a first inning run and then scored four big insurance runs late to clinch the 5-0 win. The win gave the Lady Indians the top seed in the region tournament that started last night in Dublin.
The week started with a tough road game against Veterans. Dodge dropped a tough 6-5 game in Eastman to Veterans earlier in the year.
Dodge claimed the early lead in the first. Sara Lann would drive in Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, who walked, and Dodge would take a 1-0 lead. Veterans rallied in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead.
The game stayed 2-1 Veterans until the top of the fifth. Jade Dowdy settled in after the first inning on the mound, as she retired nine out of ten batters. The Dodge bats would come alive in the fifth. Jade Dowdy would walk, and then Aniyah Black would hit a long homer to give Dodge a 3-2 lead. Jacey Dowdy and Lann would follow with singles. Hailey Hickman would drive in Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, for a 4-2 game. Amber Maxwell would drive in Lann, and the Dodge lead reached 5-2. Jenna Hickman’s sacrifice fly would score Maxwell to cap off the six-run inning and a 7-2 Dodge lead.
Veterans came back in the bottom of the fifth with an unearned run to cut the lead to 7-3. Dodge would answer in the top of the sixth. Jade Dowdy would help herself with a solo homer and an 8-3 lead. It would be a rough bottom of the sixth for the Lady Indians. Veterans would take advantage of a pair of Dodge errors to tie the game at 8-8.
Dodge would threaten in the top of the seventh but fail to score. The Lady Indians would make a pitching change, and freshman Linzy Bowen would come into the game. She had no trouble in the seventh, as she struck out a pair. This would send the game into extra innings. It would be the third time this year that Dodge had extra innings, and all three were on the road. The Lady Indians were 0-2 in games with extra innings, but today would be different.
Abby Manning, Jacey Dowdy and Lann would lead off the eighth inning with singles. Dodge would get runs batted in (RBIs) from Hailey Hickman, Maxwell and Jenna Hickman to take an 11-8 lead. Julianna Bellflower and Bowen would add RBIs to give Dodge a 13-8 lead going into the bottom of the eighth.
Veterans tried to make one final rally in the bottom of the inning. They got a pair of singles and a hit-by pitch to load the bases with two out. Bowen would get the final out on a strikeout, and Dodge would get the 13-8 win.
The season finale would be the big one. Bleckley County would come to town for the Lady Indians’ Senior Night. A win for Dodge would clinch the top seed in the region tournament. A Bleckley win would force a tie. Dodge would throw in a wrinkle, as Bowen would get the start on the mound.
Bowen would work in and out of trouble in the first. She would allow a hit and a walk with one out. She would get out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts. Dodge would get on the board in the first. Black would reach on a two-base error with two out. Manning would drive her home with a single to right field and Dodge would have the 1-0 lead.
Bowen would continue to strand base runners in the second and third. She would allow three walks, but she would get three strikeouts and a pair of fly outs to senior Hailey Hickman to get out of both innings. The Dodge offense could get very little going in the middle innings, as they were held to singles by Bellflower and Jacey Dowdy. Bowen got through the fourth and fifth innings, due to strong defense, in just ten pitches. Hailey Hickman made a good sliding catch to end the fourth. A double play in the fifth started by Bellflower on a fine play who threw to Black at short and to Lann at first to finish the inning.
The Lady Indians got some huge insurance runs in the home half of the fifth. Maxwell led off the inning with a single, and she advanced on an infield hit by Jenna Hickman. The Lady Royals tried to get Maxwell rounding second, but the throw was bad, as it went into deep left center that would score Maxwell, and Jenna Hickman would get all the way to third for a 2-0 game. Bellflower would drive in Jenna Hickman, and the lead would be 3-0 going into the sixth.
The Lady Royals would get a base runner in the sixth on a hit-by pitch, but Bowen’s seventh and eighth strikeouts of the game would strand the runner. Dodge would add to the lead in the bottom on the inning. With one out, Lann would single to left. Powell would come in and run for Lann. With one out, Hailey Hickman would lay down a bunt and Bleckley would throw it away, which put Powell at third and Hailey Hickman at second. Maxwell got another bunt down. Powell would score and Dodge would lead 4-0, and Maxwell would get all the way to second, as nobody was covering. The Lady Indians would try small ball one more time as Jenna Hickman got the bunt down, and Hailey Hickman scored for Dodge to take a 5-0 lead going into the seventh.
The Lady Royals tried to make one final rally against the freshman pitcher. They got a pair of singles around a fly ball to Jenna Hickman in center. The second hit was deep to left center, but a great throw by Hailey Hickman to third kept runners at first and second. A pop up to the first baseman Lann and a walk would load the bases with two out. Bowen would end the game with a bang, as she got her ninth strikeout on a called third strike to end the game. The win gave Dodge a 16-5 regular season record, and they are currently ranked number four in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution (AJC) AA top ten.
After the game, head coach Jennifer Bellflower said about the season so far, “It’s hard to believe the 2017-18 regular season is over. We are ready to begin preparing for postseason play. The team has come together over the course of this season, and we are excited to see what the coming weeks hold for us!”
Dodge trounces Northeast for 36-13 victory
By David Bush
Last Friday night, the 4-0 Dodge County Indians rolled into Macon to face a scrappy region foe, the Northeast Raiders. The much-improved Raiders, 3-1 on the year, would be no pushover.
Dodge would win the toss and defer to the second half. The Indians kicked the ball off, and covered #19 Peyton Bush’s kick well. The Raiders ran the ball out to their own 20. The defense of Dodge wasted no time showing the Raiders who was going to dominate this game. In three plays, the Raiders managed to lose eight yards. #5 Tyler Montford stuffed a run for no gain, and #41 Cade Cranford sacked the quarterback for an eight-yard loss. The secondary would cover the Northeast receivers, resulting in an incomplete pass and forcing a punt. Northeast lined up to punt the ball, and the Indians blocked the kick; the ball bounced up into #18 Jamal Mahan’s arms, who trotted in for six points. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians were up 7-0 with only one minute, 45 seconds played in the first quarter.
After a Dodge kickoff, Northeast started their second possession at their own 26-yard line.
Again, the Dodge defense shut down the Raider offense, and Northeast would have to punt to Dodge. Dodge managed a short drive before having to punt the ball themselves.
#19 Bush pinned the Raiders down at their own 10-yard line with a 36-yard punt. The Indian defense came up big again, holding the Raiders to three and out forcing another punt.
Dodge got the ball back at the Northeast 40-yard line. The offense began a ten-play drive that included a nice 16-yard pass reception by #20 KeAnthony Woods at the one-yard line, and resulted in a #11 Nick Cummings touchdown from one yard out.
The point after by #19 Bush was good, and with 11 minutes, 21 seconds to go in the second quarter, Dodge led 14-0.
The Indians would kick the ball off to the Raiders, who would move the ball from their own 24-yard line to their own 45-yard line before having to punt back to Dodge.
The Indians, starting at their own 30-yard line, struggled on the possession, and on third down and 16, a fake punt was called. #27 Erin Pitts carried the ball around the left end, and sprinted untouched 76 yards for the third Dodge County touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score improved to 21-0 Dodge with six minutes, 33 seconds to go in the first half.
After the kickoff, Northeast would fumble the ball to Dodge on first down. Northeast didn’t give up and got the ball back by intercepting a Dodge County pass in the end zone. On second and ten, the Raiders attempted a pass, but #20 Woods came up with a beautiful interception for Dodge at the Northeast 44-yard line. Nine plays later, #2 RJ Carr found the end zone from three yards out. Dodge was successful on a two-point conversion, #16 Noah Cummings to #27 Pitts, and the score was now 29-0 with 31 seconds left in the half.
Northeast took the ensuing kickoff out to their own 30-yard line. The Raiders, desperate for points, ran a play around the end and got out of bounds to stop the clock. Then, on second and nine, they tried to throw a pass down the middle, but #3 Jared Cannon would come up with a big interception that not only stopped the Raiders from scoring, but also got the ball close enough to give the Indians one more chance to score before the half. After a screen pass to #2 Carr, #19 Bush was called on to attempt a 40-yard field goal. The kick was wide left, and the Indians would have to settle for a 29-0 lead at the half.
To start the second half, Northeast was to kick the ball off to Dodge.
The Raiders, however, attempted an onside kick and recovered it (even though it looked to me like it was touched by the kicking team before it went 10 yards). So, Northeast got the ball at midfield to start the second half.
The Raiders were pretty fired up about their little surprise kick and put together a ten play, 50-yard drive that resulted in their first touchdown of the night. The point after was good, and the lead was cut to 29-7 with six minutes, 12 seconds to go in the third quarter.
On the following kickoff, Northeast would try the onside kick again, but sure-handed #66 Ty Bellflower pounced on it to give Dodge first and ten at midfield.
On third and one from the 41-yard line, #2 Carr got loose and outran everyone to the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown run. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the score was now 36-7 Dodge, with four minutes, 55 seconds still left in the third quarter.
#19 Bush kicked the ball back off to the Raiders, and they returned the ball back to their own 42-yard line. That would be as close as they got, as the Dodge defense bowed up and sent the Northeast offense backwards. On fourth and 18, the Raiders had to punt the ball back to the Indians.
Dodge got the ball back at their own 17-yard line and
Last Friday night, the 4-0 Dodge County Indians rolled into Macon to face a scrappy region foe, the Northeast Raiders. The much-improved Raiders, 3-1 on the year, would be no pushover.
Dodge would win the toss and defer to the second half. The Indians kicked the ball off, and covered #19 Peyton Bush’s kick well. The Raiders ran the ball out to their own 20. The defense of Dodge wasted no time showing the Raiders who was going to dominate this game. In three plays, the Raiders managed to lose eight yards. #5 Tyler Montford stuffed a run for no gain, and #41 Cade Cranford sacked the quarterback for an eight-yard loss. The secondary would cover the Northeast receivers, resulting in an incomplete pass and forcing a punt. Northeast lined up to punt the ball, and the Indians blocked the kick; the ball bounced up into #18 Jamal Mahan’s arms, who trotted in for six points. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians were up 7-0 with only one minute, 45 seconds played in the first quarter.
After a Dodge kickoff, Northeast started their second possession at their own 26-yard line.
Again, the Dodge defense shut down the Raider offense, and Northeast would have to punt to Dodge. Dodge managed a short drive before having to punt the ball themselves.
#19 Bush pinned the Raiders down at their own 10-yard line with a 36-yard punt. The Indian defense came up big again, holding the Raiders to three and out forcing another punt.
Dodge got the ball back at the Northeast 40-yard line. The offense began a ten-play drive that included a nice 16-yard pass reception by #20 KeAnthony Woods at the one-yard line, and resulted in a #11 Nick Cummings touchdown from one yard out.
The point after by #19 Bush was good, and with 11 minutes, 21 seconds to go in the second quarter, Dodge led 14-0.
The Indians would kick the ball off to the Raiders, who would move the ball from their own 24-yard line to their own 45-yard line before having to punt back to Dodge.
The Indians, starting at their own 30-yard line, struggled on the possession, and on third down and 16, a fake punt was called. #27 Erin Pitts carried the ball around the left end, and sprinted untouched 76 yards for the third Dodge County touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score improved to 21-0 Dodge with six minutes, 33 seconds to go in the first half.
After the kickoff, Northeast would fumble the ball to Dodge on first down. Northeast didn’t give up and got the ball back by intercepting a Dodge County pass in the end zone. On second and ten, the Raiders attempted a pass, but #20 Woods came up with a beautiful interception for Dodge at the Northeast 44-yard line. Nine plays later, #2 RJ Carr found the end zone from three yards out. Dodge was successful on a two-point conversion, #16 Noah Cummings to #27 Pitts, and the score was now 29-0 with 31 seconds left in the half.
Northeast took the ensuing kickoff out to their own 30-yard line. The Raiders, desperate for points, ran a play around the end and got out of bounds to stop the clock. Then, on second and nine, they tried to throw a pass down the middle, but #3 Jared Cannon would come up with a big interception that not only stopped the Raiders from scoring, but also got the ball close enough to give the Indians one more chance to score before the half. After a screen pass to #2 Carr, #19 Bush was called on to attempt a 40-yard field goal. The kick was wide left, and the Indians would have to settle for a 29-0 lead at the half.
To start the second half, Northeast was to kick the ball off to Dodge.
The Raiders, however, attempted an onside kick and recovered it (even though it looked to me like it was touched by the kicking team before it went 10 yards). So, Northeast got the ball at midfield to start the second half.
The Raiders were pretty fired up about their little surprise kick and put together a ten play, 50-yard drive that resulted in their first touchdown of the night. The point after was good, and the lead was cut to 29-7 with six minutes, 12 seconds to go in the third quarter.
On the following kickoff, Northeast would try the onside kick again, but sure-handed #66 Ty Bellflower pounced on it to give Dodge first and ten at midfield.
On third and one from the 41-yard line, #2 Carr got loose and outran everyone to the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown run. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the score was now 36-7 Dodge, with four minutes, 55 seconds still left in the third quarter.
#19 Bush kicked the ball back off to the Raiders, and they returned the ball back to their own 42-yard line. That would be as close as they got, as the Dodge defense bowed up and sent the Northeast offense backwards. On fourth and 18, the Raiders had to punt the ball back to the Indians.
Dodge got the ball back at their own 17-yard line and
Dodge Lady Warriors split region games
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors split a couple of region games this past week. They dropped a very tough 3-2 game at Bleckley County. Dodge rallied to take a 21-13 win over East Laurens. Dodge will host Swainsboro this Thursday in the season’s final regular season game at 4:00 p.m.
Here are the stats from last week’s play. At Bleckley County, Ava Rowland was one for three with a double and a run scored; Makiyah Roberson was one for three, a run scored and a stolen base; Annie Jones was two for three with a run batted in (RBI); JaiunaVae Pattillo had an RBI and Brooke Perdue pitched really well in the game with nine strikeouts.
Against East Laurens, Dylana Barton had a walk and three runs scored; JaiunaVae Pattillo had a single and four runs scored; Jayci Yawn had a walk; Annie Jones had a homer, a walk, four runs scored, two stolen bases and three RBI’s.
Makiyah Roberson was two for two, had two walks and two runs scored; Brooke Perdue had a single, two runs scored and was the winning pitcher in the game; Ava Maxwell had two walks, two runs scored and an RBI; Reagan Boney had a walk and a run scored; Ava Rowland had a single, a stolen base and two runs scored and Carsen Etheridge had two walks and two runs scored.
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors split a couple of region games this past week. They dropped a very tough 3-2 game at Bleckley County. Dodge rallied to take a 21-13 win over East Laurens. Dodge will host Swainsboro this Thursday in the season’s final regular season game at 4:00 p.m.
Here are the stats from last week’s play. At Bleckley County, Ava Rowland was one for three with a double and a run scored; Makiyah Roberson was one for three, a run scored and a stolen base; Annie Jones was two for three with a run batted in (RBI); JaiunaVae Pattillo had an RBI and Brooke Perdue pitched really well in the game with nine strikeouts.
Against East Laurens, Dylana Barton had a walk and three runs scored; JaiunaVae Pattillo had a single and four runs scored; Jayci Yawn had a walk; Annie Jones had a homer, a walk, four runs scored, two stolen bases and three RBI’s.
Makiyah Roberson was two for two, had two walks and two runs scored; Brooke Perdue had a single, two runs scored and was the winning pitcher in the game; Ava Maxwell had two walks, two runs scored and an RBI; Reagan Boney had a walk and a run scored; Ava Rowland had a single, a stolen base and two runs scored and Carsen Etheridge had two walks and two runs scored.
Lady Indians are undefeated in the region
By Russ Ragan
It was a huge week for the Dodge County High Lady Indians Softball team. They had four big region matchups, including a big showdown last Monday at Bleckley County. The game was the battle everyone expected, as the lead swung both ways. Dodge trailed 5-4 going into the seventh. The Lady Indians got off the deck and scored four runs in the seventh for a huge 8-5 win.
The rest of the week also included region matchups. Tuesday, September 19, 2017, Dodge defeated Washington County 12-0. Northeast Macon came to town on Wednesday to makeup a rained out game, and Dodge rolled to a 20-0 win. The Lady Indians finished the week up with a 13-2 road win at East Laurens. The game had a late conclusion due to weather delays.
There was a big crowd in Cochran for the huge region matchup. Jade Dowdy got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. She got off to a strong start, as she had three strikeouts through the first two innings. The game was scoreless going into the third. With one out, Julianna Bellflower walked, Jade Dowdy reached on an error and Aniyah Black walked, to load the bases. With two out, Jacey Dowdy hit a double that unloaded the bases to give Dodge a 3-0 lead. The Lady Royals got a pair of runs back in the fourth to cut the Dodge lead to 3-2.
Dodge picked up a run in the sixth, as Amber Maxwell singled home Abby Manning for a 4-2 Dodge lead. Bleckley would charge back in its half of the sixth. They would score three unearned runs to take a 5-4 lead going to the seventh inning.
Dodge would be at the top of the order in the seventh. Bellflower would lead off with a walk. The Lady Indians would then get a big break, as Bleckley threw away a potential double play ball, and that put runners on first and second with nobody out. A walk to Black would be her third of the game, and the bases were loaded with nobody out. Manning would single home Bellflower to tie the game at 5-5. Jacey Dowdy would then get her third hit and fourth run batted in (RBI) that scored Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy to give Dodge a 6-5 lead. Dodge would then get huge insurance runs on RBI’s from Sara Lann and Hailey Hickman, and Dodge would have an 8-5 lead going to the bottom of the seventh.
The Lady Royals would make one final stand, as they got a pair of base runners with two out. A harmless ground ball to Manning at third would end the wild game and give the Lady Indians a huge 8-5 win.
Dodge would host Washington County on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, in another big region contest. Freshman Linzy Bowen got the start on the mound. She picked up a pair of strikeouts to start the day. Bellflower walked and Jenna Hickman would reach on an error. They both stole a base to set up Black. She would single both runners in for a 2-0 Dodge lead.
An error and a wild pitch later would have her at third, and Manning would drive her in for a 3-0 Dodge lead. Hailey Hickman would double home Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy who walked, and Dodge had a 4-0 lead after the first.
Bowen got another pair of strikeouts in the second and third. The Lady Indians would add to the lead in the third. With one out, Manning reached on an error, and Jacey Dowdy walked. Hailey Hickman singled home Manning, and Maxwell drove in Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and the Dodge lead was 6-0. Bowen got the side out in order in the fourth, thanks to a rare 5-6-4 double play turned by Manning, Black and Bellflower.
Dodge would put the game away in the home half of the fourth. Bellflower would be hit by a pitch to lead off. Powell would single and advance to third on an error, as Bellflower would score for a 7-0 Dodge lead. Black would single home Powell for an 8-0 game. The lead would be 9-0, and after a walk by Gracie Lewis and a Lann single, Jade Dowdy would pinch-hit a three-run homer that just got over the left field fence for a 12-0 lead, and that would end the game. Bowen would finish up with a no-hitter and seven strikeouts.
On Wednesday, September 20, Dodge would host Northeast Macon. This game got completely out of hand from the start. Dodge would draw 14 walks in the game, including eight in the first inning alone. Lann would pitch a one-hit shutout with six strikeouts in the 20-0 blowout. The game could have actually been much worse, if not for the fact that Dodge made four of their six outs on purpose.
Here is a stat rundown of the game. Bellflower was two for two with three runs scored, two walks and two stolen bases; Jade Dowdy was one for one with two walks, three runs scored, two RBI’s and a stolen base; Black was two for two with a double and a triple, three runs scored and three RBI’s; Manning was one for one with two runs scored, a stolen base, two RBI’s and two walks; Lann had two walks, two runs scored and three RBI’s; Powell had two walks, two runs scored and two RBI’s and Bowen was two for three with a run scored, a stolen base and four RBI’s.
The Lady Indians would wrap up their busy week with a road game at East Laurens. Dodge jumped out early in this one. Bellflower would walk, Jade Dowdy would reach on an error and Black would single to load the bases with nobody out. A single from Manning would give Dodge a 1-0 lead. Jacey Dowdy would drive in Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, and Black for a 3-0 Dodge lead. Lann would knock in Manning with a single for a 4-0 lead. Bellflower would single home the final run of the inning for a 6-0 Dodge game after the top of the first.
Jade Dowdy got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. The Lady Falcons got a couple of runs back in the bottom of the second, and the Dodge lead was 6-2.
Dodge would answer back in the third. The Lady Indians got a pair of RBI’s from Black and Manning, and the lead was back to 8-2.
Dodge added to the lead in the fourth. With two out, Maxwell doubled, and she would score on a single from Jenna Hickman for a 9-2 lead. The lead remained 9-2 going into the seventh on a stormy night. Maxwell singled and stole second. She scored on a single from Bellflower for a 10-2 game.
A two-out single from Black scored Bellflower for an 11-2 game. Manning would triple to score Black, and she would score on an error for a 13-2 lead. Dodge had to sit through a weather delay in the bottom of the seventh but had no problem, as the final would be 13-2.
It was a huge week for the Dodge County High Lady Indians Softball team. They had four big region matchups, including a big showdown last Monday at Bleckley County. The game was the battle everyone expected, as the lead swung both ways. Dodge trailed 5-4 going into the seventh. The Lady Indians got off the deck and scored four runs in the seventh for a huge 8-5 win.
The rest of the week also included region matchups. Tuesday, September 19, 2017, Dodge defeated Washington County 12-0. Northeast Macon came to town on Wednesday to makeup a rained out game, and Dodge rolled to a 20-0 win. The Lady Indians finished the week up with a 13-2 road win at East Laurens. The game had a late conclusion due to weather delays.
There was a big crowd in Cochran for the huge region matchup. Jade Dowdy got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. She got off to a strong start, as she had three strikeouts through the first two innings. The game was scoreless going into the third. With one out, Julianna Bellflower walked, Jade Dowdy reached on an error and Aniyah Black walked, to load the bases. With two out, Jacey Dowdy hit a double that unloaded the bases to give Dodge a 3-0 lead. The Lady Royals got a pair of runs back in the fourth to cut the Dodge lead to 3-2.
Dodge picked up a run in the sixth, as Amber Maxwell singled home Abby Manning for a 4-2 Dodge lead. Bleckley would charge back in its half of the sixth. They would score three unearned runs to take a 5-4 lead going to the seventh inning.
Dodge would be at the top of the order in the seventh. Bellflower would lead off with a walk. The Lady Indians would then get a big break, as Bleckley threw away a potential double play ball, and that put runners on first and second with nobody out. A walk to Black would be her third of the game, and the bases were loaded with nobody out. Manning would single home Bellflower to tie the game at 5-5. Jacey Dowdy would then get her third hit and fourth run batted in (RBI) that scored Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy to give Dodge a 6-5 lead. Dodge would then get huge insurance runs on RBI’s from Sara Lann and Hailey Hickman, and Dodge would have an 8-5 lead going to the bottom of the seventh.
The Lady Royals would make one final stand, as they got a pair of base runners with two out. A harmless ground ball to Manning at third would end the wild game and give the Lady Indians a huge 8-5 win.
Dodge would host Washington County on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, in another big region contest. Freshman Linzy Bowen got the start on the mound. She picked up a pair of strikeouts to start the day. Bellflower walked and Jenna Hickman would reach on an error. They both stole a base to set up Black. She would single both runners in for a 2-0 Dodge lead.
An error and a wild pitch later would have her at third, and Manning would drive her in for a 3-0 Dodge lead. Hailey Hickman would double home Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy who walked, and Dodge had a 4-0 lead after the first.
Bowen got another pair of strikeouts in the second and third. The Lady Indians would add to the lead in the third. With one out, Manning reached on an error, and Jacey Dowdy walked. Hailey Hickman singled home Manning, and Maxwell drove in Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy, and the Dodge lead was 6-0. Bowen got the side out in order in the fourth, thanks to a rare 5-6-4 double play turned by Manning, Black and Bellflower.
Dodge would put the game away in the home half of the fourth. Bellflower would be hit by a pitch to lead off. Powell would single and advance to third on an error, as Bellflower would score for a 7-0 Dodge lead. Black would single home Powell for an 8-0 game. The lead would be 9-0, and after a walk by Gracie Lewis and a Lann single, Jade Dowdy would pinch-hit a three-run homer that just got over the left field fence for a 12-0 lead, and that would end the game. Bowen would finish up with a no-hitter and seven strikeouts.
On Wednesday, September 20, Dodge would host Northeast Macon. This game got completely out of hand from the start. Dodge would draw 14 walks in the game, including eight in the first inning alone. Lann would pitch a one-hit shutout with six strikeouts in the 20-0 blowout. The game could have actually been much worse, if not for the fact that Dodge made four of their six outs on purpose.
Here is a stat rundown of the game. Bellflower was two for two with three runs scored, two walks and two stolen bases; Jade Dowdy was one for one with two walks, three runs scored, two RBI’s and a stolen base; Black was two for two with a double and a triple, three runs scored and three RBI’s; Manning was one for one with two runs scored, a stolen base, two RBI’s and two walks; Lann had two walks, two runs scored and three RBI’s; Powell had two walks, two runs scored and two RBI’s and Bowen was two for three with a run scored, a stolen base and four RBI’s.
The Lady Indians would wrap up their busy week with a road game at East Laurens. Dodge jumped out early in this one. Bellflower would walk, Jade Dowdy would reach on an error and Black would single to load the bases with nobody out. A single from Manning would give Dodge a 1-0 lead. Jacey Dowdy would drive in Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, and Black for a 3-0 Dodge lead. Lann would knock in Manning with a single for a 4-0 lead. Bellflower would single home the final run of the inning for a 6-0 Dodge game after the top of the first.
Jade Dowdy got the start on the mound for the Lady Indians. The Lady Falcons got a couple of runs back in the bottom of the second, and the Dodge lead was 6-2.
Dodge would answer back in the third. The Lady Indians got a pair of RBI’s from Black and Manning, and the lead was back to 8-2.
Dodge added to the lead in the fourth. With two out, Maxwell doubled, and she would score on a single from Jenna Hickman for a 9-2 lead. The lead remained 9-2 going into the seventh on a stormy night. Maxwell singled and stole second. She scored on a single from Bellflower for a 10-2 game.
A two-out single from Black scored Bellflower for an 11-2 game. Manning would triple to score Black, and she would score on an error for a 13-2 lead. Dodge had to sit through a weather delay in the bottom of the seventh but had no problem, as the final would be 13-2.
Dodge slams Southwest 38-14
By David Bush
Well sports fans, region play is finally here. This is the part of the schedule where every game counts towards our playoff hopes. Most teams do not want to start region play with Southwest Macon. This team beat us in a war over there in Macon last season. They also tied Washington County (Waco) for the best record in the region last year, but lost to Washington County head-to-head, giving Waco the region championship.
This team features a quarterback, #11 Jordan Slocum, who is listed at six foot, five inches tall (I think he’s taller than that) and 215 pounds, and middle linebacker #9 Randy Green at six foot, one inch tall and 230 pounds #9 Green was a first team Class AA all-state selection last season. Needless to say, our Indians were going to have to bring their “A” game to play with these big boys.
To start the game, Dodge lost the coin toss (first one we’ve lost this season), so Southwest used one of ole Rex Hodge’s tricks and deferred to the second half. Southwest kicked the ball off to #2 R.J. Carr, who returned the ball to the Dodge 35-yard line. Our offense took over and picked up a first down out to the 45-yard line. There, on first and ten from the 45-yard line, #2 Carr shot through the Patriot defense for a 55-yard touchdown run. #19 Peyton Bush tacked on the extra point and just like that, Dodge was on top 7-0 early in the game.
After the kickoff, the Indian defense held the Patriots to a three and out series and forced a punt.
The Dodge offense took over at their own 18-yard line. #27 Erin Pitts carried the ball for 9 yards, and then #11 Nick Cummings hit #20 KeAnthony Woods on a nice pass to set up first and ten at the Dodge 29-yard line. On the next play, #2 Carr got loose and sprinted 68 yards before being caught on about the 4-yard line of Southwest. Three plays later, #2 Carr carried the ball into the end-zone for ”Another Dodge County Touchdown,” as announcer Quint Bush would say. The point after by #19 Bush was true, and the scoreboard changed to 14-0 Indians with six minutes 12 seconds to go in the first quarter.
After a Dodge kickoff and nice tackle by the kicker #19 Bush, Southwest set up for their next attempt at finding the end-zone. The Indian defense, which has been tough all year, forced another three and out.
The Patriots punted the ball back to Dodge and three plays later, Dodge was punting the ball back to the Patriots. #19 Bush connected on a 40-yard punt to get the ball out of Dodge territory. So, on the following possession, Southwest, on third and 13, tried to pass their way down the field, only to have #20 Woods intercept the throw and return the ball to midfield. The Indians marched down the field with hard runs by the firm of #2 Carr, #16 Cummings and #27 Pitts. On first and goal from the 5-yard line, #2 Carr walked in for his third touchdown of the game. #19 Bush again was good on the extra point attempt, and the score was 21-0 with ten minutes 33 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The Patriots, starting at their own 20-yard line, due to an unreturnable kick by #19 Bush, began to move the ball down the field. Southwest put together an 11 play, and one ridiculous penalty on Dodge, drive to go 80 yards and get into the end-zone for their first touchdown. The Patriots went for two on the extra point but were unsuccessful making the score 21-6 with six minutes 24 seconds left in the second quarter.
On the ensuing Southwest kickoff, future phenom #1 Daylon Gordon, returned the ball to the 30-yard line of Dodge. The Indians offense wasted little time getting right back down the field before stalling at the 6-yard line of Southwest. #19 Bush and the field goal team were called on to come in and convert on a 23-yard field goal and increased the score to 24-6 with one minute two seconds left in the half. Dodge would stifle the Patriot offense for the next 62 seconds and the half ended.
The halftime shows by both bands were very entertaining. The Marching Chiefs, who sounded great, were also accompanied by the middle school band and some fine young dancers from the Georgia Peach Dance Team, “The Dodge County Dazzlers.” We are very fortunate to have such a talented group of performers in our community. If your kids are not currently involved in another activity and would like to be a part of something that is growing and really exciting, I would encourage you to get them involved in band or one of the drill teams. They won’t be sorry.
The second half started with another touchback by kicker #19 Bush. The two teams spent much of the third quarter in a defensive battle, trading possessions and field position until, with three minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter, the Patriots found the end-zone on a 32-yard pass play. Their two-point conversion was good, and now the score was 24-14 Dodge.
On the following kickoff, #27 Pitts took the ball all the way out to the Patriot 48-yard line. Dodge was unable to take advantage of the good field position, and the Dodge drive was halted at the Patriot 25-yard line on a fourth and one play.
Momentum seemed to be turning in favor of Southwest. In just three plays, the Patriots were threatening, when Indian #35 big Jadin Johnson got in the backfield and chased the quarterback all the way back to the Southwest 28-yard line before slamming him to the turf for a HUGE defensive play.
On second and 43, the defense again came up big and forced a fumble. Dodge pounced on the ball, and we were back in business. On the Indians’ second play from scrimmage #27 Pitts exploded up the middle for a 25-yard touchdown. #19 Bush came in and added the extra point, and Dodge had put out the fire, increasing the lead to 31-14 with nine minutes 47 seconds to go in the game.
On the next Patriot possession, on a third and four play, the Dodge defense flushed the quarterback out of the pocket, forcing a desperation pass that was intercepted by #45 Tyler Ruffin, who raced 35 yards untouched to the end-zone for an apparent touchdown. But the flag fairy paid us a visit again, and the ball was brought back to the Patriot 37-yard line. Eight plays later, #16 Cummings ran the ball in from two yards out, and #19 Bush kicked his fifth extra point of the night to make the score 38-14.
The reserves would be brought in for both teams to finish out the game with about four minutes 50 seconds to go in the game. Neither team would score again, and the game would end 38-14 Dodge.
This was a big region win for our Indians and next week we will have to bring our “A” game again. As for this week, boys, I give you an A+.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, were as follows. Dodge County had 17 first downs to Southwest’s ten. The Indians had 326 total rushing yards, while Southwest had 73. Dodge had 27 passing yards to Southwest’s 172. In total offense, the Indians had 353 yards to Southwest’s 245. In scoring and rushing totals, #2 Carr had 202 yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns. #27 Pitts had 86 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. #16 Cummings had 35 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown, #1 Gordon had three yards on two carries and #19 Bush was five for five on extra point attempts and one for one on a 23-yard field-goal.
Next week the game will be against a much-improved Northeast Macon team in Macon.
Everyone that can make the trip, please come and support our Indians. Dodge County always brings a huge crowd, and it really makes a difference. We’ll see you there.
Well sports fans, region play is finally here. This is the part of the schedule where every game counts towards our playoff hopes. Most teams do not want to start region play with Southwest Macon. This team beat us in a war over there in Macon last season. They also tied Washington County (Waco) for the best record in the region last year, but lost to Washington County head-to-head, giving Waco the region championship.
This team features a quarterback, #11 Jordan Slocum, who is listed at six foot, five inches tall (I think he’s taller than that) and 215 pounds, and middle linebacker #9 Randy Green at six foot, one inch tall and 230 pounds #9 Green was a first team Class AA all-state selection last season. Needless to say, our Indians were going to have to bring their “A” game to play with these big boys.
To start the game, Dodge lost the coin toss (first one we’ve lost this season), so Southwest used one of ole Rex Hodge’s tricks and deferred to the second half. Southwest kicked the ball off to #2 R.J. Carr, who returned the ball to the Dodge 35-yard line. Our offense took over and picked up a first down out to the 45-yard line. There, on first and ten from the 45-yard line, #2 Carr shot through the Patriot defense for a 55-yard touchdown run. #19 Peyton Bush tacked on the extra point and just like that, Dodge was on top 7-0 early in the game.
After the kickoff, the Indian defense held the Patriots to a three and out series and forced a punt.
The Dodge offense took over at their own 18-yard line. #27 Erin Pitts carried the ball for 9 yards, and then #11 Nick Cummings hit #20 KeAnthony Woods on a nice pass to set up first and ten at the Dodge 29-yard line. On the next play, #2 Carr got loose and sprinted 68 yards before being caught on about the 4-yard line of Southwest. Three plays later, #2 Carr carried the ball into the end-zone for ”Another Dodge County Touchdown,” as announcer Quint Bush would say. The point after by #19 Bush was true, and the scoreboard changed to 14-0 Indians with six minutes 12 seconds to go in the first quarter.
After a Dodge kickoff and nice tackle by the kicker #19 Bush, Southwest set up for their next attempt at finding the end-zone. The Indian defense, which has been tough all year, forced another three and out.
The Patriots punted the ball back to Dodge and three plays later, Dodge was punting the ball back to the Patriots. #19 Bush connected on a 40-yard punt to get the ball out of Dodge territory. So, on the following possession, Southwest, on third and 13, tried to pass their way down the field, only to have #20 Woods intercept the throw and return the ball to midfield. The Indians marched down the field with hard runs by the firm of #2 Carr, #16 Cummings and #27 Pitts. On first and goal from the 5-yard line, #2 Carr walked in for his third touchdown of the game. #19 Bush again was good on the extra point attempt, and the score was 21-0 with ten minutes 33 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The Patriots, starting at their own 20-yard line, due to an unreturnable kick by #19 Bush, began to move the ball down the field. Southwest put together an 11 play, and one ridiculous penalty on Dodge, drive to go 80 yards and get into the end-zone for their first touchdown. The Patriots went for two on the extra point but were unsuccessful making the score 21-6 with six minutes 24 seconds left in the second quarter.
On the ensuing Southwest kickoff, future phenom #1 Daylon Gordon, returned the ball to the 30-yard line of Dodge. The Indians offense wasted little time getting right back down the field before stalling at the 6-yard line of Southwest. #19 Bush and the field goal team were called on to come in and convert on a 23-yard field goal and increased the score to 24-6 with one minute two seconds left in the half. Dodge would stifle the Patriot offense for the next 62 seconds and the half ended.
The halftime shows by both bands were very entertaining. The Marching Chiefs, who sounded great, were also accompanied by the middle school band and some fine young dancers from the Georgia Peach Dance Team, “The Dodge County Dazzlers.” We are very fortunate to have such a talented group of performers in our community. If your kids are not currently involved in another activity and would like to be a part of something that is growing and really exciting, I would encourage you to get them involved in band or one of the drill teams. They won’t be sorry.
The second half started with another touchback by kicker #19 Bush. The two teams spent much of the third quarter in a defensive battle, trading possessions and field position until, with three minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter, the Patriots found the end-zone on a 32-yard pass play. Their two-point conversion was good, and now the score was 24-14 Dodge.
On the following kickoff, #27 Pitts took the ball all the way out to the Patriot 48-yard line. Dodge was unable to take advantage of the good field position, and the Dodge drive was halted at the Patriot 25-yard line on a fourth and one play.
Momentum seemed to be turning in favor of Southwest. In just three plays, the Patriots were threatening, when Indian #35 big Jadin Johnson got in the backfield and chased the quarterback all the way back to the Southwest 28-yard line before slamming him to the turf for a HUGE defensive play.
On second and 43, the defense again came up big and forced a fumble. Dodge pounced on the ball, and we were back in business. On the Indians’ second play from scrimmage #27 Pitts exploded up the middle for a 25-yard touchdown. #19 Bush came in and added the extra point, and Dodge had put out the fire, increasing the lead to 31-14 with nine minutes 47 seconds to go in the game.
On the next Patriot possession, on a third and four play, the Dodge defense flushed the quarterback out of the pocket, forcing a desperation pass that was intercepted by #45 Tyler Ruffin, who raced 35 yards untouched to the end-zone for an apparent touchdown. But the flag fairy paid us a visit again, and the ball was brought back to the Patriot 37-yard line. Eight plays later, #16 Cummings ran the ball in from two yards out, and #19 Bush kicked his fifth extra point of the night to make the score 38-14.
The reserves would be brought in for both teams to finish out the game with about four minutes 50 seconds to go in the game. Neither team would score again, and the game would end 38-14 Dodge.
This was a big region win for our Indians and next week we will have to bring our “A” game again. As for this week, boys, I give you an A+.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, were as follows. Dodge County had 17 first downs to Southwest’s ten. The Indians had 326 total rushing yards, while Southwest had 73. Dodge had 27 passing yards to Southwest’s 172. In total offense, the Indians had 353 yards to Southwest’s 245. In scoring and rushing totals, #2 Carr had 202 yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns. #27 Pitts had 86 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. #16 Cummings had 35 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown, #1 Gordon had three yards on two carries and #19 Bush was five for five on extra point attempts and one for one on a 23-yard field-goal.
Next week the game will be against a much-improved Northeast Macon team in Macon.
Everyone that can make the trip, please come and support our Indians. Dodge County always brings a huge crowd, and it really makes a difference. We’ll see you there.
Lady Warriors score big in region games
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors softball team got some games in recently around the rough weather that we had lately. Dodge recorded three big region wins. They whipped Dublin after a 17-run first inning, in a 24-2 win.
They recorded 11-3 wins over both Vidalia and Swainsboro. Here are the stat rundowns from those games.
In Dublin, Meg Lewis had three walks and two runs scored; Rebecca Bowling had a walk, a triple and a run scored; Ava Maxwell had three walks and three runs scored; Reagan Graham had a single, a double and three runs scored; Mariah Flowers had a walk, a single, a homer and three runs scored; Alyssa Reed had two walks and three runs scored; Annie Jones had a walk, a homer and three runs scored and Jessica Joiner had two walks, a single and three runs scored. She was also the winning pitcher.
In Vidalia, Ava Rowland had a single, a walk and a run scored; Jayci Yawn had a run scored; Makiyah Roberson had a triple, a double, a walk and three runs scored; JaiunaVae Pattillo had a single and two runs scored; Annie Jones had two singles and three runs scored; Reagan Boney had two singles; Skye Meadows had two walks and a run scored and Brook Perdue was the winning pitcher with two strikeouts.
In Swainsboro, Jayci Yawn had a single and a run scored; Dylana Barton had a single, a triple and a run scored; Makiyah Roberson had a single and a run scored; Reagan Boney had a run scored; Brooke Perdue had a single and two runs scored; Annie Jones had a single and three runs scored and Skye Meadows had a single and two runs scored.
The Dodge Middle School Lady Warriors softball team got some games in recently around the rough weather that we had lately. Dodge recorded three big region wins. They whipped Dublin after a 17-run first inning, in a 24-2 win.
They recorded 11-3 wins over both Vidalia and Swainsboro. Here are the stat rundowns from those games.
In Dublin, Meg Lewis had three walks and two runs scored; Rebecca Bowling had a walk, a triple and a run scored; Ava Maxwell had three walks and three runs scored; Reagan Graham had a single, a double and three runs scored; Mariah Flowers had a walk, a single, a homer and three runs scored; Alyssa Reed had two walks and three runs scored; Annie Jones had a walk, a homer and three runs scored and Jessica Joiner had two walks, a single and three runs scored. She was also the winning pitcher.
In Vidalia, Ava Rowland had a single, a walk and a run scored; Jayci Yawn had a run scored; Makiyah Roberson had a triple, a double, a walk and three runs scored; JaiunaVae Pattillo had a single and two runs scored; Annie Jones had two singles and three runs scored; Reagan Boney had two singles; Skye Meadows had two walks and a run scored and Brook Perdue was the winning pitcher with two strikeouts.
In Swainsboro, Jayci Yawn had a single and a run scored; Dylana Barton had a single, a triple and a run scored; Makiyah Roberson had a single and a run scored; Reagan Boney had a run scored; Brooke Perdue had a single and two runs scored; Annie Jones had a single and three runs scored and Skye Meadows had a single and two runs scored.
Lady Indians split games in Laurens County
By Russ Ragan
The Dodge High Lady Indians split a pair of games over the past week, after postponements with Telfair County and Northeast Macon. Dodge made the swing through Laurens County with West Laurens on Wednesday and Dublin on Thursday.
The West Laurens game was quite the battle. The game saw Dodge rally with two out in the seventh to send the game to extra innings before dropping a tough 3-2 decision. Dodge returned to region play on Thursday, and they crushed the Lady Irish 17-0.
The Northeast game is scheduled to be made up today (Wednesday), with a 5:30 p.m. at home.
Jade Dowdy got the start this past Wednesday, against the Lady Raiders. She retired the side in order in the first on a pop-up and a pair of ground outs. All three went to shortstop Aniyah Black. Dodge got on the board in the second. Hailey Hickman singled with one out, and she advanced to third on a two-out hit from Jenna Hickman. Julianna Bellflower singled to left, scoring Hailey Hickman for a 1-0 Dodge lead.
The game remained 1-0 going to the bottom of the fourth. The Lady Raiders tied the game, after a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly. The damage was limited, as Jacey Dowdy threw out a base runner on a perfect throw to Black. The game was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the fifth. The Lady Raiders took the lead with an unearned run, and it was a 2-1 game.
The game remained 2-1 going to the seventh inning. Amber Maxwell got Dodge’s first hit since the second inning with a leadoff single. A sacrifice bunt put the tying run in scoring position. With two out, Jade Dowdy singled her home and the game was tied at 2-2. Both teams went down in order in the eighth. Dodge had its chance in the ninth, as they loaded up the bases with three walks. Dodge couldn’t push across a run. The Lady Raiders would push across a run in the bottom of the ninth and take a 3-2 win. Jade Dowdy pitched really well, as she threw just 81 pitches, with a rare no-walk, no-strikeout game.
The important game of the week was Thursday, as Dodge traveled back to Dublin, this time for a region game against the Lady Irish. Dodge got to work in the top of the first with two out. Black was hit by a pitch, Abby Manning followed with a single and Jacey Dowdy reached on an error to load the bases. Sara Lann would single to score Black, Manning and Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy to give Dodge a 3-0 lead.
No problems for Jade Dowdy in the bottom of the first, as she got the side out in order, including a strikeout. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off the Dodge second. Bellflower followed with a single. A pair of stolen bases put runners on second and third. Jade Dowdy helped herself with a double, scoring Jenna Hickman and Bellflower for a 5-0 game. Sydney Powell, running for Dowdy, and Black would add runs and give Dodge a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the second.
Dodge got out of a small jam in the bottom of the second, as the Lady Irish put a pair of runners on base. The Lady Indians went back to work at the plate in the third. Maxwell reached on an error and stole second to lead off the inning. A single from Jenna Hickman scored Maxwell for an 8-0 lead. Bellflower walked and she, along with Jenna Hickman, stole a base for the second time in the game. They both would score for a 10-0 lead. Dodge would take advantage of four more walks, which would lead to two more Dodge runs and a 12-0 lead.
The Lady Indians would wrap this one up in the fourth. Linzy Bowen would lead off with a walk. Powell would single her home for a 13-0 game. Hailey Hickman would single in a run and Gracie Lewis would drive in a pair for the 17-0 final.
The Dodge High Lady Indians split a pair of games over the past week, after postponements with Telfair County and Northeast Macon. Dodge made the swing through Laurens County with West Laurens on Wednesday and Dublin on Thursday.
The West Laurens game was quite the battle. The game saw Dodge rally with two out in the seventh to send the game to extra innings before dropping a tough 3-2 decision. Dodge returned to region play on Thursday, and they crushed the Lady Irish 17-0.
The Northeast game is scheduled to be made up today (Wednesday), with a 5:30 p.m. at home.
Jade Dowdy got the start this past Wednesday, against the Lady Raiders. She retired the side in order in the first on a pop-up and a pair of ground outs. All three went to shortstop Aniyah Black. Dodge got on the board in the second. Hailey Hickman singled with one out, and she advanced to third on a two-out hit from Jenna Hickman. Julianna Bellflower singled to left, scoring Hailey Hickman for a 1-0 Dodge lead.
The game remained 1-0 going to the bottom of the fourth. The Lady Raiders tied the game, after a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly. The damage was limited, as Jacey Dowdy threw out a base runner on a perfect throw to Black. The game was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the fifth. The Lady Raiders took the lead with an unearned run, and it was a 2-1 game.
The game remained 2-1 going to the seventh inning. Amber Maxwell got Dodge’s first hit since the second inning with a leadoff single. A sacrifice bunt put the tying run in scoring position. With two out, Jade Dowdy singled her home and the game was tied at 2-2. Both teams went down in order in the eighth. Dodge had its chance in the ninth, as they loaded up the bases with three walks. Dodge couldn’t push across a run. The Lady Raiders would push across a run in the bottom of the ninth and take a 3-2 win. Jade Dowdy pitched really well, as she threw just 81 pitches, with a rare no-walk, no-strikeout game.
The important game of the week was Thursday, as Dodge traveled back to Dublin, this time for a region game against the Lady Irish. Dodge got to work in the top of the first with two out. Black was hit by a pitch, Abby Manning followed with a single and Jacey Dowdy reached on an error to load the bases. Sara Lann would single to score Black, Manning and Europe Brown, who was running for Jacey Dowdy to give Dodge a 3-0 lead.
No problems for Jade Dowdy in the bottom of the first, as she got the side out in order, including a strikeout. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off the Dodge second. Bellflower followed with a single. A pair of stolen bases put runners on second and third. Jade Dowdy helped herself with a double, scoring Jenna Hickman and Bellflower for a 5-0 game. Sydney Powell, running for Dowdy, and Black would add runs and give Dodge a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the second.
Dodge got out of a small jam in the bottom of the second, as the Lady Irish put a pair of runners on base. The Lady Indians went back to work at the plate in the third. Maxwell reached on an error and stole second to lead off the inning. A single from Jenna Hickman scored Maxwell for an 8-0 lead. Bellflower walked and she, along with Jenna Hickman, stole a base for the second time in the game. They both would score for a 10-0 lead. Dodge would take advantage of four more walks, which would lead to two more Dodge runs and a 12-0 lead.
The Lady Indians would wrap this one up in the fourth. Linzy Bowen would lead off with a walk. Powell would single her home for a 13-0 game. Hailey Hickman would single in a run and Gracie Lewis would drive in a pair for the 17-0 final.
Dodge County Indians destroy Dooly County 70-27
By David Bush
Football fans, I didn’t think Friday night would ever get here. I don’t know about you, but I was a little more than frustrated a week ago when Appling County cancelled the football game with us. Apparently, our boys were a little bit frustrated too, and Dooly County would be the team they took it out on, and boy did they. Allow me to set the stage for you.
First-of-all, Dooly County is no pushover. This is one of class single (A)’s better teams. The Bobcats have an extremely talented and athletic quarterback in #7 Bo Lawson and a handful of good receivers and backs to compliment him. Earlier this season, Dooly gave Macon County, last year’s class single (A) state champs, all they wanted in a 44-36 loss. Macon County beat Fitzgerald, last year’s class double (AA) state runner-ups, by a score of 42-21. And, to top things off, Dooly beat us last season. So, I admit it, I was a little nervous about this game. Now to the game.
Dodge County won the toss and deferred to the second half. Junior #19 Peyton Bush would kickoff to Dooly and they would return it to their 27-yard line. Dodge’s defense set the tone for the night, holding Dooly to a three and out and forcing a punt.
Our Indians would get started on their own 41-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, junior #2 R.J. Carr broke free for a 55-yard gain, taking the ball down to the Bobcat four-yard line. Two plays later, senior #5 Tyler Montford came in to power the ball up the middle for the first score of the night. #19 Bush came in to kick the point after, but the kick failed. Dodge would lead 6-0.
The Dooly Bobcats then took the kickoff and returned it to their own 25-yard line to start their second possession. On third and six, Dooly’s elusive quarterback broke a long run himself, before being run down from behind by freshman safety #14 Micheal Carr at the Dodge County six-yard line. Three plays later, Dooly would find the end zone and miss the extra point to leave the game tied at 6-6 still early in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Dooly County kicker practically missed the ball, barely knocking it off the tee, and it was downed by Dooly at their own 39-yard line. Dooly lost a yard on the kick itself. Dodge had the ball first and ten. Junior #27 Erin Pitts would catch a pass for about 14 yards to set up first and goal from the nine-yard line. Two plays later, #27 Pitts was all alone in the end-zone, with a touchdown reception from senior quarterback #11 Nick Cummings. #19 Bush’s extra point was good this time, and Dodge was back up 13-6.
After another kickoff, great defensive stand and a punt by Dooly, Dodge found themselves back in control of the ball at midfield. Dodge would drive the ball down the field behind strong running, due to a great job of blocking by the offensive line, and a key reception by senior receiver #20 KeAnthony Woods. #2 Carr scored Dodge County’s third touchdown with a nice 15-yard run. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians extended the lead to 20-6 with 11 minutes 55 seconds to go in the second quarter.
Both teams would trade possessions, and #19 Bush would come in to punt for the one and only time of the night for the Indians, putting the ball inside the 20-yard line and pinning the Bobcats back at their own 12-yard line. The Dodge County defense, which has been tough all season, held again to give our offense another chance to score.
With eight minutes 20 seconds to go in the half, the Indians would score again with two nice runs. #2 Carr took the ball for a 23-yard gain, and on the next play, #27 Pitts would go 26 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The extra point unit of #19 Bush, #52 Alex Horne and #11 Cummings would again tack on the extra point, and Dodge was now up 27-6.
Again, the Indian defense came up big, getting the ball back for the hungry offense. Starting at their own 38-yard line, Dodge would put together another fine drive. The drive took nine plays and a drive-saving fumble recovery by big #66 Ty Bellflower, before our own very talented quarterback, #16 Cummings, would find the end zone for the fifth score of the night. #19 Bush added the extra point, and Dodge was rolling 34-6 with two minutes 41 seconds left in the second quarter.
Senior #41 Cade Cranford had a big night on defense keeping the Dooly County quarterback running for his life all night long. He and the rest of the Dodge County wrecking crew kept the Bobcats at bay the rest of the quarter, and the first half would end 34-6.
After a great halftime show by the Dodge County Marching Chiefs, we were ready to get started with the second half. Dooly County was too.
Dooly would surprise the Indians with an onside kick and successfully recover the ball. The Cats would score quickly and convert on a two-point conversion to close the gap to 34-14, with nine minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter.
It wouldn’t take long for Dodge to answer. On the next kickoff, freshman #1 Daylon Gordon would return the short kick to the Dooly County 20-yard line. Four plays later, #5 Montford was again called on to punch the ball in from a few yards out. #19 Bush’s point was again good, and the score was now 41-14 Dodge with still seven minutes 37 seconds to go in the third quarter.
After a #19 Bush kickoff, Dooly returned the ball to the Dodge 45-yard line. The Indian defense appeared to have them going backwards, when on a fourth and 24 play, the Dooly County quarterback, scrambling to his left, threw a strike to an open receiver in the end-zone. The point-after attempt was good, and the Bobcats would cut the lead to 41-21 to keep their hopes alive with six minutes 29 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, but this time, we were ready. The Bobcats, playing a little more inspired, seemed to have the Indians on their heels, and the offense was sputtering. Then, on a second and 19 play, #27 Pitts came through again for us and broke off a nice 58-yard touchdown run. The extra point by #19 Bush was good, and the score was now 48-21 with four minutes 43 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Bobcats wouldn’t give up however, and starting at their own 20-yard line, put together an impressive 12-play, 80-yard drive to score once again. The extra point attempt was blocked by #41 Cranford, and the score was now 48-27 with one minute 44 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, and again, the Indians were waiting. Dodge wasted no time answering the Dooly score with one of their own. In four plays, Dodge moved the ball 60 yards and #27 Pitts carried the ball in from seven yards out for his fourth touchdown of the night. #19 Bush’s extra point was good, and the score was now 55-27 with 11 minutes 19 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.
By now, the Bobcats seemed to be losing hope, and the Dodge defense stopped them deep in their own territory. On a third and four play, quarterback #16 Cummings found senior #15 Darrius “Swag” Wilcox for a 14-yard reception and another Dodge County touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score grew to 62-27.
After the kickoff, Dooly tried another desperation pass, and it was intercepted by #1 Gordon at the Indian 20-yard line with six minutes 20 seconds still left in the game.
With the game pretty much in hand, the younger players were put in to gain some valuable playing time. Dooly wouldn’t be able to stop this bunch either. Eight plays later, #1 Gordon, who carried the ball on seven of the eight plays, would score the final touchdown from five yards out. There was a low snap on the extra point and the holder, #16 Cummings, gathered it up and ran it in for two points to make the final score of the night. Dodge would win 70-27 and go to three wins with no losses on the season.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, showed that Dodge would end the night with 20 first downs to Dooly’s 14. Dodge had 590 yards rushing to Dooly’s 151. Dodge had 41 yards passing to Dooly’s 234 yards. In total offense, Dodge had 631 yards and Dooly had 385 yards.
Rushing, #5 Montford had two carries for three yards, #1 Gordon had seven carries for 59 yards and one touchdown, #16 Cummings had 11 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown, #27 Pitts had eight carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns and #2 Carr had 17 carries for 179 yards and one touchdown.
Receiving, #20 Woods had one catch for five yards, #30 Timmy Johnson had one catch for four yards, #15 Wilcox had one catch for 16 yards and one touchdown and #27 Pitts had two catches for 20 yards and one touchdown.
This week’s game will be at home against Southwest Macon. This team beat us in Macon last year, in a close game, and won the region. We are going to need every person in Dodge County there to help our boys pull this one out. Come out this Friday and support our Indians.
Football fans, I didn’t think Friday night would ever get here. I don’t know about you, but I was a little more than frustrated a week ago when Appling County cancelled the football game with us. Apparently, our boys were a little bit frustrated too, and Dooly County would be the team they took it out on, and boy did they. Allow me to set the stage for you.
First-of-all, Dooly County is no pushover. This is one of class single (A)’s better teams. The Bobcats have an extremely talented and athletic quarterback in #7 Bo Lawson and a handful of good receivers and backs to compliment him. Earlier this season, Dooly gave Macon County, last year’s class single (A) state champs, all they wanted in a 44-36 loss. Macon County beat Fitzgerald, last year’s class double (AA) state runner-ups, by a score of 42-21. And, to top things off, Dooly beat us last season. So, I admit it, I was a little nervous about this game. Now to the game.
Dodge County won the toss and deferred to the second half. Junior #19 Peyton Bush would kickoff to Dooly and they would return it to their 27-yard line. Dodge’s defense set the tone for the night, holding Dooly to a three and out and forcing a punt.
Our Indians would get started on their own 41-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, junior #2 R.J. Carr broke free for a 55-yard gain, taking the ball down to the Bobcat four-yard line. Two plays later, senior #5 Tyler Montford came in to power the ball up the middle for the first score of the night. #19 Bush came in to kick the point after, but the kick failed. Dodge would lead 6-0.
The Dooly Bobcats then took the kickoff and returned it to their own 25-yard line to start their second possession. On third and six, Dooly’s elusive quarterback broke a long run himself, before being run down from behind by freshman safety #14 Micheal Carr at the Dodge County six-yard line. Three plays later, Dooly would find the end zone and miss the extra point to leave the game tied at 6-6 still early in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Dooly County kicker practically missed the ball, barely knocking it off the tee, and it was downed by Dooly at their own 39-yard line. Dooly lost a yard on the kick itself. Dodge had the ball first and ten. Junior #27 Erin Pitts would catch a pass for about 14 yards to set up first and goal from the nine-yard line. Two plays later, #27 Pitts was all alone in the end-zone, with a touchdown reception from senior quarterback #11 Nick Cummings. #19 Bush’s extra point was good this time, and Dodge was back up 13-6.
After another kickoff, great defensive stand and a punt by Dooly, Dodge found themselves back in control of the ball at midfield. Dodge would drive the ball down the field behind strong running, due to a great job of blocking by the offensive line, and a key reception by senior receiver #20 KeAnthony Woods. #2 Carr scored Dodge County’s third touchdown with a nice 15-yard run. #19 Bush’s point after was good, and the Indians extended the lead to 20-6 with 11 minutes 55 seconds to go in the second quarter.
Both teams would trade possessions, and #19 Bush would come in to punt for the one and only time of the night for the Indians, putting the ball inside the 20-yard line and pinning the Bobcats back at their own 12-yard line. The Dodge County defense, which has been tough all season, held again to give our offense another chance to score.
With eight minutes 20 seconds to go in the half, the Indians would score again with two nice runs. #2 Carr took the ball for a 23-yard gain, and on the next play, #27 Pitts would go 26 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The extra point unit of #19 Bush, #52 Alex Horne and #11 Cummings would again tack on the extra point, and Dodge was now up 27-6.
Again, the Indian defense came up big, getting the ball back for the hungry offense. Starting at their own 38-yard line, Dodge would put together another fine drive. The drive took nine plays and a drive-saving fumble recovery by big #66 Ty Bellflower, before our own very talented quarterback, #16 Cummings, would find the end zone for the fifth score of the night. #19 Bush added the extra point, and Dodge was rolling 34-6 with two minutes 41 seconds left in the second quarter.
Senior #41 Cade Cranford had a big night on defense keeping the Dooly County quarterback running for his life all night long. He and the rest of the Dodge County wrecking crew kept the Bobcats at bay the rest of the quarter, and the first half would end 34-6.
After a great halftime show by the Dodge County Marching Chiefs, we were ready to get started with the second half. Dooly County was too.
Dooly would surprise the Indians with an onside kick and successfully recover the ball. The Cats would score quickly and convert on a two-point conversion to close the gap to 34-14, with nine minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter.
It wouldn’t take long for Dodge to answer. On the next kickoff, freshman #1 Daylon Gordon would return the short kick to the Dooly County 20-yard line. Four plays later, #5 Montford was again called on to punch the ball in from a few yards out. #19 Bush’s point was again good, and the score was now 41-14 Dodge with still seven minutes 37 seconds to go in the third quarter.
After a #19 Bush kickoff, Dooly returned the ball to the Dodge 45-yard line. The Indian defense appeared to have them going backwards, when on a fourth and 24 play, the Dooly County quarterback, scrambling to his left, threw a strike to an open receiver in the end-zone. The point-after attempt was good, and the Bobcats would cut the lead to 41-21 to keep their hopes alive with six minutes 29 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, but this time, we were ready. The Bobcats, playing a little more inspired, seemed to have the Indians on their heels, and the offense was sputtering. Then, on a second and 19 play, #27 Pitts came through again for us and broke off a nice 58-yard touchdown run. The extra point by #19 Bush was good, and the score was now 48-21 with four minutes 43 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Bobcats wouldn’t give up however, and starting at their own 20-yard line, put together an impressive 12-play, 80-yard drive to score once again. The extra point attempt was blocked by #41 Cranford, and the score was now 48-27 with one minute 44 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Dooly would try another onside kick, and again, the Indians were waiting. Dodge wasted no time answering the Dooly score with one of their own. In four plays, Dodge moved the ball 60 yards and #27 Pitts carried the ball in from seven yards out for his fourth touchdown of the night. #19 Bush’s extra point was good, and the score was now 55-27 with 11 minutes 19 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.
By now, the Bobcats seemed to be losing hope, and the Dodge defense stopped them deep in their own territory. On a third and four play, quarterback #16 Cummings found senior #15 Darrius “Swag” Wilcox for a 14-yard reception and another Dodge County touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score grew to 62-27.
After the kickoff, Dooly tried another desperation pass, and it was intercepted by #1 Gordon at the Indian 20-yard line with six minutes 20 seconds still left in the game.
With the game pretty much in hand, the younger players were put in to gain some valuable playing time. Dooly wouldn’t be able to stop this bunch either. Eight plays later, #1 Gordon, who carried the ball on seven of the eight plays, would score the final touchdown from five yards out. There was a low snap on the extra point and the holder, #16 Cummings, gathered it up and ran it in for two points to make the final score of the night. Dodge would win 70-27 and go to three wins with no losses on the season.
The game statistics, courtesy of Jay Mullis, showed that Dodge would end the night with 20 first downs to Dooly’s 14. Dodge had 590 yards rushing to Dooly’s 151. Dodge had 41 yards passing to Dooly’s 234 yards. In total offense, Dodge had 631 yards and Dooly had 385 yards.
Rushing, #5 Montford had two carries for three yards, #1 Gordon had seven carries for 59 yards and one touchdown, #16 Cummings had 11 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown, #27 Pitts had eight carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns and #2 Carr had 17 carries for 179 yards and one touchdown.
Receiving, #20 Woods had one catch for five yards, #30 Timmy Johnson had one catch for four yards, #15 Wilcox had one catch for 16 yards and one touchdown and #27 Pitts had two catches for 20 yards and one touchdown.
This week’s game will be at home against Southwest Macon. This team beat us in Macon last year, in a close game, and won the region. We are going to need every person in Dodge County there to help our boys pull this one out. Come out this Friday and support our Indians.
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