DECATUR -- It was a "must-win" situation for the Decatur Bulldogs when they played the Western Yell County Wolverines in Bulldog Stadium Oct. 17. But, in spite of their best efforts, the Bulldogs came up short, losing in the end by only two points.
The Bulldogs took to the field before a near-capacity crowd with their starting quarterback Victor Urquidi returning from an ankle injury that has plagued him since the Hartford game on Sept. 12.
At the 8:41 mark in the first quarter, the Bulldogs found the end zone on a 21-yard reception from Urquidi to Leng Lee. Tony Mendoza's point after split the uprights, giving Decatur a 7 to 0 lead. However, on the next possession the Wolverines' Chris Thygesen ran a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Wolverines missed the point after, making it a 7 to 6 Decatur game.
The second quarter was a defensive battle between the Bulldogs and Wolverines. The only score came on a 25 yard field goal by Tony Mendoza for three points. The Bulldogs took a 10 to 6 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the third quarter, Western Yell quarterback Trent Cobb found Clayton Montgomery in the end zone, connecting a 37 yard pass for 6 points. A two-point conversion attempt failed and the lead changed hands in favor of the Wolverines, 12 to 10.
The lead would change once again when Lee returned a 65 yard kickoff with 1:31 left in the quarter to give Decatur the edge. A failed two-point conversion by the Bulldogs ended the quarter, 16 to 10.
The fourth quarter was all defense as each team tried for the end zone. With 3:53 left in the game, Cobb connected on a 35-yard pass to Montgomery for a Wolverine touchdown. Decatur had one more chance to move the ball down field but failed. The final score was 18 to 16, Western Yell County.
"We played hard and made a lot of good plays both offensively and defensively," Shane Holland, Decatur's head coach, said. "But down the stretch they made some good plays, particularly toward the end."
"We had some opportunities and didn't capitalize on them," Holland said. "They were a pretty powerful team, very skilled athletically."
"We still have a very slim chance to make it to the playoffs," Holland said. "Right now we are standing on the outside."
Urquidi played a valiant game, struggling with his ankle injury throughout the game. In spite of this, he managed to put in an outstanding performance, completing five of nine passes for 77 yards. He rushed for 74 yards and had 14 tackles for the Bulldogs.
With his injury continuing to plaque Urquidi, it is extremely doubtful that he will be ready for the Oct. 24 match with the Hector Wildcats, the current league leader with a 7-0 record overall and 6-0 in conference.
The Bulldogs will travel south to take on the Wildcats at Hector. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The seventh grade and junior high teams play Hector at Bulldog Stadium Oct. 23. The seventh grade game starts at 5:30, with kickoff for the junior high at 7 p.m.
Game Stats
Passing: Urquidi - 9 attempts, 5 completions for 77 yards.
Rushing: Urquidi - 12 carries for 74 yards, Allan Castaneda - 11 carries for 54 yards, Leng Lee - 5 carries for 7 yards, Terry Kell - 1 carry for 6 yards, total - 29 carries for 141 yards.
Receiving: Tyler Riddle - 1 carry for 31 yards, Tony Mendoza - 1 carry for 23 yards, Lee - 2 carries for 21 yards, Kell - 1 carry for 2 yards, Total - 5 carries for 77 yards.
Tackles: Castaneda and Urquidi with 14 each, Joey Barnes - 9, Jaffett Puga - 7, Kell - 5, others - 33, Total - 68.
Sacks: Kell - 2
Punts: Brody Funk - 3 kicks for 120 yards.
Points: Lee - 12, Mendoza - 4 (one field goal and one PAT)
Sports on 10/22/2014