ADDISON – The Addison Bulldogs finished out their regular season Friday night, hosting the Yellow Jackets of Winston County. The Bulldogs were on a three-game winning streak and looking to make it four before starting the state playoffs next week. They accomplished that goal, beating Winston County 41-21.
The Yellow Jackets got the ball to start the game and wasted no time, with Jeffery Daugherty breaking free for a 53-yard TD. After the PAT, Winston County went up 7-0 with 10:31 to go in the first quarter.
The Bulldogs answered with an 11-play drive topped off with Tyler Borden rushing in 3 yards for the score. The 2-point conversion was no good.
Addison’s defense adjusted, forcing the Yellow Jackets to punt after three plays. At the end of the first quarter, it was Winston County 7, Addison 6.
Starting out the second, the Bulldogs put together a six-play drive topped off again by Borden, who took it 6 yards in for the TD. A good 2-point conversion put Addison on top, 14-7.
In the next drive, Winston County’s Ethan Moore fumbled the ball. Dayson Parker recovered for the Bulldogs, who got the football at the Yellow Jackets’ 40-yard line.
Logan Wilkins broke free five plays later for a 25-yard TD run. Another good 2-point conversion and the Bulldogs were up 22-7.
The Yellow Jackets worked out a long drive, but turned the ball over on downs at the Bulldogs’ 36. Shortly after, Zayne Guthrie exploded for a 47-yard run to the Yellow Jackets’ 22. Three plays later, and Borden was at it again, rushing in 6 yards for another touchdown. This time the 2-point try failed, but the Bulldogs increased their lead to 28-7, which was the score at the half.
Addison started the second half with the ball and nine plays in, Guthrie passed to Luke Chambers for a 33-yard TD, the only action in the quarter. The third ended with Addison on top 34-7.
It was Winston County that started the final quarter, with the Yellow Jackets taking the ball to the Bulldogs’ 25. Moore scored from 3 yards out to end the drive. The 2-pointer was no good, and the score stood at 34-13 with 10:12 left in the game.
The Yellow Jackets tried an onside kick next, recovering the ball at midfield, and after a 24-yard pass and a roughing the passer call on the Bulldogs, Winston County had the first-and-goal at the 9. Two plays later, Moore ran it in for the TD. The 2-point conversion was good, and the Yellow Jackets narrowed the margin to 34-21 with 8:14 left in the game.
Another onside kick was no good, and the Bulldogs ended up with good field position at their own 40. Then the only turnover of the game for the Bulldogs came as Guthrie threw an interception to Daugherty at the Yellow Jackets’ 46. The Bulldog defense took it back, however, forcing a fumble on fourth down, setting up a drive that ended with Caleb Crider scoring from 1 yard out.
Final score: Addison 41, Winston County 21
Addison coach David Smothers said Friday night was the hardest he has seen his team play all season.
The Bulldogs end the regular season with a record of 8-2; 5-2 in 1A Region 7. They will host Hubbertville next week in the first round of the playoffs.
Winston County ends the regular season 2-8; 2-4 in 2A Region 7.
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