Bulldogs end with positive yardage

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs took some steps in the right direction Friday, Oct. 7 but fell 64-16 at Vernon Northside in their final nondistrct game.

The Bulldogs (0-7) have their open date this week before starting District 14-1A Division II play Friday, Oct. 21 at home against Valera Panther Creek.

At Northside, Tyler Waddell scored on a 44-yard pass from Ellis Hise, and Ethan Boykin returned a kickoff for a touchdown as Moran found the end zone after being shut out the previous two weeks. Both scores came in the second quarter and were converted by Connor Hail, who has made seven of his last eight PAT attempts.

“We made a lot more progress,” coach John Hughes said. “We ended up with positive yards on offense. We moved the ball very well; we just couldn’t finish the drives.”

The Bulldogs ended with 99 total yards after being held to negative yardage in their previous outing. Hise was 5 of 13 passing for 68 yards, while Hail rushed for 59 yards and caught two passes for 14 yards. Caleb York and Zech Henderson each had a reception.

Defensively, Hise and Boykin each were in on five tackles. Hise also had a 35-yard interception return.

York had four tackles and a pass breakup, Cotten Campbell and Henderson each had two tackles, and Hail and Waddell each had one.

Three turnovers hurt Moran as Northside (4-3) scored six TDs in the second quarter to pull away. An interception was returned for a touchdown, and two fumbles led to scoring drives. Hail had a touchdown reception called back on a penalty two plays before the interception.

“We played very well,” Hughes said. “Northside hit a couple of big plays, and we missed some tackles.”

Open Date

Hughes said the Bulldogs have continued to work this week.

“We’ve been lifting this week,” he said. “We maxed out on Monday and Tuesday.”

Looking at the district race, Hughes is optimistic that Moran will be in the playoff hunt.

“We’ve got to win two of the next three games, and we’re more than capable,” he said. “If you look at the four teams in our district, we’ve had the toughest schedule so far.”