White Sixth Grade Pittbulls Win Battle
The 6th Grade White rebounded from last week’s overtime loss with a shutout victory over the
injuries Van Buren Black team 8 to 0 at Smith Robinson Stadium. The Pittbulls overcame key personnel and scratched out a hard fought victory in a game that was a battle of field position.
With quarterback ,Reid Wheeler, sidelined, Tanner Wiley moved up from his tailback spot to fill in admirably while Jordan McKinley and Brandon Tolbert platooned at the tailback position along with always rock solid Tanner Cooper. The first half was highlighted by the two defenses as neither offense ever really got in a rhythm. Greenwood was led by Trey Hamilton who was playing thru an injury but still bringing the wood like a lumberjack. Also, the front line of Drew Ulmer, Tyler Cox, Nick Houston, Nick Walton and Seth Bland controlled the line of scrimmage. The men on the islands, the corners of Cooper and Ty Wyckoff, were diligent as always. While Greenwood, could not manage a serious threat in the first half. Van Buren did get one chance deep in Pittbull territory following a long penalty, but the Pittbulls resiliently kept the score knotted scoreless in the first half.
Due to a failed onside kick to start the second half, Van Buren enjoyed superior field position around the 50 yard line while Greenwood was held around inside the 30 yard line. Neither could manage a first down and the two teams traded punts all thru the third quarter. The game appeared to be headed to overtime for a second straight week. However, the fourth quarter belonged to Greenwood. Following a Van Buren, the Pittbulls went to work. Cooper took a handoff around the end for 4-5 yards and the Wiley would connect with Bland on a nice pass for a long gain. After a run was stuffed for a loss and an incomplete pass to Wyckoff, Wiley would dial up Bland again to overcome a long third & thirteen and would be enough to move the sticks. Greenwood was well across midfield and driving. Van Buren’s defense stiffened and after a big loss. The Pittbulls flipped the ends of the field after a punt with 4:03 to play in regulation. The Pointers took over.
Van Buren lined up with a deep pass but Hughes stepped up from his safety position to snag the interception. The Pittbulls were in business around the 29 yard line. After a four yard loss, Cooper would gain back five and Wiley wisely threw one away on third down. The drama was thick as the Pittbulls lined up with 2:24 and facing a fourth and nine. Coach Clint Watson signaled in the play and Wiley dropped back and threw a strike to a streaking Bland down the middle resulting in a first down and goal on the seven yard line. Cooper would take the next one in over the left side and make a brilliant run to the corner of the end zone. Drew Ulmer immediately added his first P.A.T kick and make the score 8 to nothing with 1:58 left. Van Buren would get the ball back with last chance around the 45 yard line but the Pittbulls were too much. Van Buren could not get a pass complete and Kyler Watson and Tyler Cox combined to make a big sack to preserve the win.
The Pittbulls moved to 2-2 in conference play and got back to their winning ways. The Pittbulls will host the Van Buren Green Saturday at 7:30pm.
