DECATUR -- The stands where filled with spectators and the turf well groomed as the 2014 Decatur Bulldogs took to the field at Bulldog Stadium for their first home game of the season on Sept. 5 when they took on the Berryville Bobcats.
The game marked the return of senior quarterback Victor Urquidi, who sat out the 2013 season with a shoulder injury.
From the moment the Decatur Bulldogs took the field there was a different feel, different look to this team. They came out to fight, and fight they did.
The first half was anybody's game as both teams scrambled to beat each other's defense and get into the end zone. It was the Bobcats, however, who held the lead at half time, 14 to 0.
The third quarter was a different story and the Bulldogs battled back to within one at the 6-minute mark. Then, within 85 seconds, both the teams scored touchdowns, making the score 22 to 19, Bobcats, after extra points.
This was the closest the Bulldogs would come. The Bobcat defense continued its dominance. Decatur continued to fight with the possibility of a comeback until the final four minutes of the game when Berryville extended its lead to 20. The final score was 39 to 19, Berryville.
"I am pleased with the way we played. We did a lot of good things offensively," said Shane Holland, Decatur's head football coach. "We were able to move the ball and throw the ball well and we ran the ball decently."
"We were in the game until the forth quarter and played extremely hard," Holland added.
Victor Urquidi was named offensive player of the game for the Bulldogs and Allen Castaneda was named defensive Bulldog player of the game.
Game Statistics
Passing: 5 of 8 completed for 124 yards.
Rushing: 30 carries for 142 yards.
Receiving: 124 yards
Tackles: 63
Junior High Game
The junior high football team played its first game before a home crowd when the Gravette Lions came to town.
It was all Gravette as the team held the Bulldogs scoreless throughout the game until the closing minute of the forth quarter when the Bulldogs drove to within five yards of the goal with 10 seconds on the clock. Decatur put the ball into the end zone as the clock read zero, preventing a Gravette blowout. The Bulldogs completed a two-point conversion to end the game 19 to 8 in favor of Gravette.
"It was a tough game. They had the size and numbers on us," Holland said. "I thought we competed hard. I wasn't displeased at their performance. It was a learning experience for the whole team."
Head Coach Shane Holland and his grounds crew worked exceptionally hard on the football field, getting it ready for the first game, and it showed. From goal post to goal post and from sideline to sideline the natural turf was smooth and even.
Last season the bleachers where barely half filled with Bulldog supporters. But that all changed on Friday night as students, parents and Bulldog fans filled the stands. There was a different feel to the game this season. The fans are more energetic and with good reason.
The Decatur cheerleading squad underwent a major makeover during the summer. With a new coach and new uniforms, they look primed and ready for action. Their new look and the enthusiasm may be the catalyst that drives the team toward the state championship.
The junior high game with Hartford has been cancelled this week. The varsity squad will travel south to meet the Hartford Hustlers on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
Sports on 09/10/2014