Published: October 30, 2009 10:35 pm      

SUWANNEE FOOTBALL: 'Dogs lose a close one 29-23

The Suwannee Bulldogs lost a nailbiter to the Baker County Wildcats 29-23, losing their chance at the playoffs. However, the 'Dogs saw plenty of momentum late in the game with three touchdowns in less than two minutes.

Keith Cherry scored on a 28-yard Jimmie Taylor pass. Suwannee's Josh Martin picked up a fumble on the return. Another pass to Cherry gave the 'Dogs another score on a 31-yard Taylor pass. This one just seconds after the last score and ending the third quarter. J.R. Bass then ran it in for 15 yards with 11 minutes and seconds to go in the fourth.

Kyle Driskell intercepted at the 40-yard line just after the return.

The Wildcats managed to drive the ball 95 yards on their next possession and ran it in with about three minutes to go. The Cats decided on a two-point conversion. Suwannee still led 23-21. Suwannee's Trip Prevatt returned the ball later, making the Cats drive for 99 yards. The 'Dogs were hoping this would end the game. However, the Cats pulled a few tricks out of their hat and ended up driving the whole 99 yards and scored with 26 seconds left. The Cats ran another successful two-point conversion, ending the game 29-23.

The Wildcats started out on the 20-yard line and made it to the 26 before the Bulldogs took over on a fumble. J.R. Bass picked up 12 yards on three plays and picked up a first down. Penalties got the best of the 'Dogs with three five yard penalties. The 'Dogs defense did well on the Wildcats next possession with a great tackle by Jackson Brown. Another defensive tackle pushed the Cats back another four yards. The Bulldogs gave the Cats a touchdown after a 15-yard Bulldog fumble. Baker gained the six points on a three-yard pass. The point after was good.

Bass rushed the ball on three drives for five yards. The 'Dogs were unable to get the first down. The Wildcats then gained a few yards on their next possession before being hammered by a few 'Dogs. The 'Dogs were unable to carry the ball next but gained a first down followed by five yards by Alex Robinson. Automatic Austin O'Connor came out next and put the 'Dogs on the board with a 35-yard field goal.

In the second half of play the 'Dogs picked up a couple yards but couldn't pick up a first down. Baker then scored another touchdown on a 33 yard run. The point after attempt was no good. The score stands at 13-3.

The 'Dogs took over on the 34-yard line. Rashad Gardenhire picked up three yards, Swinson lost two. The Cats then sacked Taylor for a loss of 10 yards. Jimmy Prevatt was called out and punted the ball back for 45 yards.

The 'Dogs fall to 3-5, 1-3 in District 2-2A. The Wildcats improve 6-2, 3-1.

WQHL’s players of the game:

Offense: Keith Cherry; 3 receptions for 68 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Defense: Josh Martin; several tackles; fumble return.