Dawgs Muzzle Canes

By STONE WORKMAN

Unscored upon and undefeated Morgan County visited Rose Bowl field last Friday night and left in the same situation as they came with the only difference being another notch in their win column.

The Bulldogs defense chained the ’Canes deep in their own territory for most of the game and dispelled any notion that Morgan would not compete for the Region AA title. In the last two games the Monticello offense has sputtered for only seven points after putting up 46 in the season opener against Monroe Area.

The ’Canes received the kick-off and started their first possession at their own 15 yard line.

Three stops and a punt later, the Bulldogs started their first possession on the ’Cane 36. In eight plays Morgan crosses the Monticello goal line after a 4th and two pass and with the PAT leads 7-0 with 5:53 in the first quarter.

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Monticello again begins its next possession on its own 15. A ’Canes holding penalty makes it 2nd and 19 before A.J. Thomas rambles for 20 yards and the first ’Cane 1st down of the game.

QB Brady McMichael connects with Billy Edwards for another first down before a fumble gives the ball over to the Dawgs on the ’Canes 35. Four plays later the visitors rturn the favor with a fumble the ’Canes recover on their own 23.

Monticello punts to begin the second quarter and the ‘Canes defense stops the Dawgs on the home 40. A great Madison punt rolls dead inside the Monticello one yard line. QB McMichael throws a 39 yard strike to Stone, and A.J. Thomas and Chris Thomas have good runs finally taking the ’Canes inside Dawg territory on the 47.

The Dawgs then show what a strong defense they have by stalling the ’Canes there and the first half comes to an end with Morgan County ahead by seven.

Morgan receives the kickoff to start the second half and uses six running plays taking the ball to the ’Canes nine before fumbling it over to the home team.

Monticello then puts together a short drive and stalls on the ’Cane 43. A 45 yard punt puts the Dawgs at their own 15 where they put together their own drive topped off by a 56 yard scamper through the middle of the ‘Canes defense for a TD.

The Pat was no good and with 5:15 left in the third quarter, Morgan County leads 13-0. Both defenses put on a strong show for the remainder of the game until late in the fourth quarter when two 15 yard penalties against the ‘Canes place the Dawgs on the ’Cane 19.

A 38 yard Morgan field goal with 2:16 left complete the night’s scoring with Monticello on the short end of 16-0.

The Canes have an open date next Friday before hosting another region team, Pike County on September 23.