HALEYVILLE, Ala. —The 2A Addison Bulldogs traveled to the far western end of Winston County to take on the 4A Haleyville Lions Friday night and it was senior night for the Lions. The Dawgs came out on the short end of a hard-fought game, 28-6.
Big plays doomed the Dawgs all night. After an exchange of possessions, Haleyville struck first on a 57-yard pass to take a 7-0 lead with 6:15 to go in the first quarter.
After the Lions held Addison to 0 yards on three plays, the Bulldogs mishandled the punt snap and Haleyville took over at the Addison 9-yard line. Two plays later, Haleyville cashed it in with a 2-yard run to put the Lions up 14-0.
Addison put together its only sustained drive of the night going 53 yards on nine plays, but the drive ended at the Lions’ 21-yard line after a turnover on downs.
Haleyville then went 79 yards on nine plays, all on the ground, to take a commanding 21-0 lead at the half.
The Bulldogs came out in the second half and continued to play hard. Christian Roberts hit WR Justin Mather on a beautiful 50-yard touchdown pass to ignite the crowd and bring hope to the Dawg faithful. After the missed two-point conversion, the Lions led 21-6.
Hope reigned for a very short time as Haleyville returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a dagger to the heart touchdown to put the Lions up 28-6. This is how the game ended.
Haleyville had 190 yards rushing and 57 yards passing for a total of 247 yards on 41 total plays. Addison had 104 yards rushing and 83 yards passing for a total of 187 yards on 43 plays.
Addison’s leading rusher was Christian Roberts with 70 yards, followed by Weston Smith with 16 yards. The leading receiver was Justin Mather with 51 yards and a touchdown on two receptions.
Ross Steele led the defense with six tackles. Smith, Nelson Martin had five tackles. Bailey Wilson had a sack.
Addison’s effort was never in question, but the Lions were too strong and controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the evening. There are some positives in the loss. It appeared Addison got out with no significant injuries. The team played hard but were hamstrung by the big play. There were few penalties and only one turnover in a game played in the rain. The season has just begun and hope remains supreme that the Dawgs will turn it around.
Addison hosts the Lynn Bears next Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
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