DECATUR — The Decatur Bulldogs returned to Bulldog Stadium in Decatur Sept. 30 to take on the Leftwich Rattlers from Magazine in the second 2A conference football game of the season. Both the Rattlers and the Bulldogs had yet to win a conference game going into Friday night's matchup.
Decatur's defensive line was better prepared in the first half, forcing Magazine's offense to give up the ball on several fourth-down conversion attempts at midfield. Wyatt Bingham intercepted the ball on a pass play by the Rattlers' quarterback at around the 25 yard line, cutting off Magazine's only scoring attempt in the second quarter.
The only score in the first half came midway through the first quarter on a five-yard quarterback keeper by Decatur's Leng Lee. Lee's two-point conversion attempt was stopped at the two-yard line by the Rattlers, making it a 6-0 Bulldog game going into half time.
Magazine came out of the locker room after the half a much different team. The Rattlers scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion early in the third quarter to take a 8-6 lead.
The Bulldogs had a chance to score in the fourth quarter and regain the lead, but a strong Rattler defense shut them down and Magazine took home its first conference victory, 8 to 6.
"We started off the game really well. We were playing well on both sides of the ball," said Shane Holland, Decatur head football coach. "Offensively, we let down after the first quarter. Defensively, we played hard the first half. We came out a little flat after half time. It was a tough loss for us."
The Bulldog senior boys' football team will be back in action at Bulldog Stadium in Decatur Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the third conference matchup against the Hackett Hornets.
For a complete schedule of the remaining Decatur Bulldog football games, go to decatursd.com/athletics.
Decatur Stats
Rushing: Leng Lee - 16 carries for 72 yards, Troy Kell - 11 carries for 46 yards, Alex Lee - 5 carries for 15 yards, Jimmy Mendoza - 1 carry for 8 yards , Melaton Hertado - 1 carry for 24 yards, Totals - 34 carries for 117 yards.
Punts: Mendoza - 2 punts for 78 yards.
Touchdowns: Leng Lee - 1
Tackles: Alex Lee -18, Brandon Coker -13, Wyatt Bingham - 10, Mendoza - 8, Kell - 7. Javier Perez, Levi Newman, Taylor Haisman, Gary Wood, and Johnny Brandon each with 5. Leng Lee and Melaton Hertado each with 4. Sebastian Perez and Cayden Bingham each with 1. Total tackles - 91
Sports on 10/05/2016