Bulldogs begin to make progress

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs made significant strides in their homecoming game last week before succumbing to the Mullin Bulldogs 58-44 Friday, Sept. 16.

Moran players (0-4) look to continue building momentum at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 when they visit Blanket.

Against Mullin, Connor Hail helped keep Moran in contention with 275 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. He also converted on four PAT kicks.

“The progress was unreal,” Moran coach John Hughes said. “We made a complete 180 from what we looked like the previous three games.”

Hail scored on runs of 45, 19, 2, and 5 yards.

Ellis Hise connected with Tyler Waddell for a 37-yard touchdown. Hise finished 3 of 17 passing for 52 yards as Moran gained 322 total yards. Waddell had two catches for 45 yards.

Hail led the defense with 12 total tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception he returned 61 yards for a score.

Hise was in on eight tackles and Ethan Boykin seven. Cotten Campbell and Zech Henderson each made four tackles, while Waddell and Caleb York had three apiece.

Moran took its first lead of the season at 8-6 in the first quarter before Mullin pulled out to a 36-22 halftime lead.

Facing Blanket

Blanket (3-1) is coming off a 52-16 victory over Santa Anna. Hughes said the Tigers rely on a power game.

“Watching them on film, it’s another one of those games where if we’ll just do our jobs we’ll be okay,” he said. “They’re not real flashy. They just line up in a T-formation and try to ram it down your throat.”

Hughes said he expects his team to continue showing improvement.

“We can’t be satisfied with how we played against Mullin,” he said. We’ve started stepping around the corner, and we’ve got to keep going with it.”

Junior High

Moran suffered a 40-6 loss to Mullin in its second outing of the season.

Landon Moreno scored Moran’s touchdown.