DECATUR -- It was a rough night for the Decatur Bulldogs as they traveled south to take on the Hartford Hustlers in their first conference game of the season. The Bulldogs faced many obstacles throughout the game beginning with a football field turned slip-in-slide.
Hartford received a total of eight inches of rain the day prior to the game, making the field treacherous and, in some places, difficult for play. The conditions led to poor performances on the part of both teams.
"It was a tough night. We had a lot of penalties, and we didn't block very well on offense," said Shane Holland, Decatur's head football coach.
On the third play of the game, senior quarterback Victor Urquidi sustained a sprained ankle that sidelined him for the duration of play.
At the end of the first quarter, senior running back Allen Castaneda suffered a strained hamstring and, like Urquidi, was sidelined for the rest of the game.
It is not known if either player will be able to play in the next game against Mountainburg on Sept. 19.
"Only time will tell if they will be able to make the next game," Holland said.
With both star players sidelined, Holland called on his backups, sophomore quarterback Leng Lee and sophomore running back Jafett Puga.
"Leng did a nice job," Holland said. "He rushed for 124 yards on 30 carries. He had a very good night for us."
Tony Mendoza had a very good night rushing as well, with 75 yards on four carries, the longest of which was 34 yards. He was also responsible for scoring all the Bulldog points, making one touchdown, one field goal and one extra point, for 10 total points.
In the end, the Bulldogs defeated the Hustlers on their home turf, 10 to 4.
"We were fortunate to win the way we played," Holland said. "We gave up a lot of big plays on the defensive side."
Three Bulldog players were named players of the game. Leng Lee was named best overall player, Tony Mendoza was best offensive player of the game and Joey Barnes was named defensive player of the game for his two interceptions and four tackles against Hartford
Team Stats
Passing -- 0 completions on 5 attempts, for no yards.
Rushing -- 46 carries, for 204 yards.
Tackles -- 44 tackles, 17 assists, for 61 total.
Sacks -- five sacks, two by Joey Barnes, for 30 yards.
The next game for the senior high will be Sept. 19 against Mountainburg at Mountainburg. Game time is 7 p.m.
The junior high and seventh grade teams will play Mountainburg at Bulldog Stadium Sept. 18. Game times is 5:30 p.m. for the seventh grade and 7 p.m. for junior high.
For more information and a complete 2014 football schedule, go to www.decatursd.com/athletics letics.
Sports on 09/17/2014