ELKMONT – Despite the obvious kinks that need to be worked out during the first game, Addison took care of business when they headed to Elkmont Friday night for their first contest of the 2017 high school football season.
Addison looked as if they were going to strike first with a strong first drive as the Bulldogs marched from their own 29 down to the Elkmont 37. However, a 1-yard gain on first down, followed by two straight incompletions, forced Addison to punt.
Elkmont only managed 12 total yards on their first possession and punted the ball back to the Bulldogs. Helped by a facemask on the end of a 20-yard rush by Caleb Crider, Addison went from their own 21 to the 46. A 7-yard rush by Gage Gilland got the Bulldogs into Elkmont territory, but the drive bogged down once again and ended in a punt.
Elkmont started their next drive from their own 32. Cameron Davis started the drive with a 13-yard scamper around left end, a 5-yard pitch and an 8-yard gut-buster up the middle to get the ball into Addison territory at the 42. Just two plays later, quarterback Davis Hobbs shovel passed the ball to Hunter Pitman, who busted up the middle for a 35-yard touchdown. The PAT was good, and Elkmont got on the board first 7-0.
Addison answered the Red Devils’ score on their next drive, thanks to a 23-yard pass play from Zayne Guthrie to Logan Wilkins and a 20-yard rush from Ben Robinson. Robinson finished the drive with a 7-yard scamper for the score. Guthrie kept the ball himself to convert the 2-point try and put the Bulldogs up 8-7.
It didn't take the Red Devils long to answer and take the lead right back when, starting from their own 16, running back Cameron Davis raced around the left end and up the sideline for an 84-yard touchdown run. Elkmont converted the PAT to take the lead back 14-8 with 9:16 left to play in the second.
Addison and Elkmont traded punts and interceptions over the next two series, but it was the Bulldogs that converted the turnover. From the Elkmont 3, Guthrie lowered his head and busted through the line for 3 yards and the touchdown. Robinson converted the 2-point attempt to put the Bulldogs on top 16-14. That is where the scores stood as both teams went to the locker room for the half.
Elkmont received the ball first in the third and although they moved the ball into Addison territory down to the 36, a bad snap and a loss of 21 yards forced them to punt the ball back to the Bulldogs.
Addison took advantage and from their own 41, rushed the ball six consecutive times before Guthrie took to the air and connected with Wilkins for a 21-yard touchdown. Addison again converted the 2-point try and took a 24-14 lead late in the third.
Following another Elkmont punt, Addison started at draw from their own 20 and methodically moved the ball all the way down to the Elkmont 34 before the third quarter came to a close.
It didn't take the Bulldogs long to score in the fourth as they continued their dominance and the run game. Robinson had back-to-back carries of 18 yards and 3 yards, the latter ending in a touchdown. Addison converted the 2-point attempt to take a 32-14 lead with 10:54 left to go in the game.
Elkmont’s next possession ended in an interception by Guthrie, but an immediate fumble by Robinson gave the ball back to the Red Devils on the Addison 7. Davis finished the drive, carrying it in from 7 yards to pull the Red Devils to within 12, 32-20 with 8:53 left to play.
Addison was forced to punt on their next possession but got the ball right back when Wilkins picked off an errant throw from Hobbs. Braxton Preuitt added the dagger with an 11-yard touchdown run. Addison converted the 2-point try and took a 40-20 lead. That’s where the final score stood as the Bulldogs cruised to victory.
Addison will suit up next on Sept. 1 when they welcome Hanceville to town.
Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Image credit: Josh McBrayer
