Bulldogs battle back for hard win
The Bandera Bulldogs football team celebrates their 14-13 victory against Cotulla last Friday at Bulldog Stadium. BULLETIN PHOTO/Chuck McCollough
The ending score of last Friday’s Bulldog victory is displayed on the stadium’s new scoreboard, provided thanks to donations from Warrior’s Heart and Hondo National Bank. BULLETIN PHOTO/Chuck McCollough
It was only the second game of the season and first at home, but a full stand of Bandera fans reacted like it was the state final, as last Friday’s game against the Cotulla Cowboys was a nail-biter until the end.
The Bulldogs overcame four turnovers and a handful of penalties to pick up their first win of the season with a score of 14-3.
The Bulldogs and Cowboys had their share of mistakes to keep the game scoreless for three quarters.
Cotulla scored the game’s first points on a four-yard run and PAT kick for 7-0 score with 11:36 to go in the fourth.
Bulldog senior Tyler Moore scored on an 18-yard rushing touchdown and PAT kick helped make it a for 7-7 game score.
Bulldog senior Brock Johnson added a five-yard rushing score and PAT kick, bringing the score to 14-7.
Cotulla scored on a 56-yard touchdown pass with 3:00 re maining, but the extra point was no good, bringing the score to 14-13.
The Bulldogs picked up a first down, ran the clock out and walked away with the victory.
“I’m proud of the way our kids fight and the way this town supports our football team,” Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Joel Fontenot-Amedee said.
Johnson powered the Bulldogs’ offense as a bruising runner, carrying 17 times for 81 yards and a touchdown. Most of the senior’s yardage came in the fourth quarter as Johnson and the Bandera offense line started to wear down the Cowboys’ defense.
Moore added 36 yards and a touchdown on six carries, while contributing 52 yards in the passing game.
Senior Luke Barnett had three catches for 38 yards and senior Brandon Miller added two catches for 24 yards in the victory.
Cardenas put on a show at outside linebacker while racking up 18 tackles, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and half a sack. Barnett was impressive as well, totaling 12 tackles and a tackle for loss. Sophomore Jorge Cabasos had five tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception, Miller had five tackles and an interception, and senior Matthew Staton had eight tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Bulldogs have another home game next Friday Night against the 2-0 Cole Cougars, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
Editor’s Note: Portions of this article were written by Brady Keane.