Bulldogs struggle with early season schedule

By Chris Johnson

Reporter

Following a loss to the Polo Marcos, 45-6, on Friday, Sept. 2, the Durand Bulldogs now look at a schedule that perhaps eases up a bit.

In their season opener, the Milledgeville Missiles imposed their will upon the visiting Bulldogs in a 50-0 win. Durand could not find answers and struggled to stop the Missiles assault on the ground.

In their loss to the Marcos, the Bulldogs found a few answers, however their opponents responded to the adjustments.

Big plays would highlight the night for Polo. With a little over 30 seconds elapsed in the first quarter, running back Tristan Aguilar got outside and ran 53 yards for the touchdown score. The extra point attempt, in the form of a run, was stuffed. The Marcos led 6-0.

After Durand got the ball back following the Polo score, they attempted to move downfield, while bringing the chains with them. A prolonged drive would not occur on the Bulldogs’ opener. The Marcos got the ball back and pushed the pile up the field. From the one-yard line, Reid Taylor broke through. The extra point attempt failed, as the run attempt was stopped short. Polo had established a two-touchdown lead, 12-0.

The Marcos would score again in the opening period as Justin Young followed his blockers from the six-yard line and crossed the goal line for the touchdown strike as time expired. The extra point attempt would not occur as the Bulldogs defense responded. As the first quarter came to a close, Polo held an 18-0 lead.

Fortunes would not find Durand in the second quarter, as the Marcos once again pushed the ball up the field. From the one-yard line, Aguilar scored again for Polo. Another failed extra point attempt saw the lead extend to 24-0, but no further, for the time being. With 6:34 to go before half, the Bulldogs were three scores and three runs away from tying the game.

The Bulldogs got the ball back following the Polo score, but had to yield shortly after. With under a minute to go in the second quarter, Polo stretched their lead. Aguilar found a gap and punched it in. The two point pass attempt was good. As the half approached, Polo led 32-0.

It would take a while for Polo’s offense to get moving in the third quarter, but it did. With 2:27 to go in the period, Aguilar struck again. The running back broke through the line and carried the ball 69 yards for the score. The extra point attempt missed. After three, Durand trailed 38-0.

In the fourth quarter, Polo found their final score of the night on a 25-yard run from scrimmage by Reid Taylor. The extra point kick attempt was good as Polo started the running clock as they extended their lead to 45-0.

The Bulldogs offense became in sync in the final minutes of the game as they pushed the Polo line backwards. As the period wrapped towards completion, the Bulldogs got into the end zone as Ron Demus split the cones, scoring from two-yards out. The extra point attempt failed. Polo held the 45-6 lead. The game would end, with the Marcos claiming the night. The Bulldogs fell to 0-2 on the season.

Durand has another home game this Friday night, as they prepare to take on Freeport Aquin. The Bulldogs are coming off a 14-12 win over the Milledgeville Missiles on Friday.

With their win, Aquin moved to 2-0 on the season and in the NUIC Upstate. They are tied with Stockton and Polo, one game up on the would-be challengers.

Durand plays at Stockton next Friday, Sept. 16, as the difficult stretch continues into the second-third of the season.