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Midget Bulldawgs drop home opener

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The Ramona Pop Warner Midget Bulldawgs lost to the La Costa Canyon Mavericks, 18-42, in a wild high-scoring game in Bulldawg Stadium on Saturday.

After a stalemate battle during the first quarter, where both teams battled for field position, the Mavericks struck first in the second quarter scoring on a long touchdown run. The Bulldawgs quickly got back in the game with a 79-yard touchdown run by Nathan Cherek.

“Tanner Williams really laid down a good block that allowed me to get outside,” said Cherek.

When the Bulldawgs’ offense was on the field, the running game was clicking with Cherek putting forth 96 yards on six attempts and Brendan Tustison adding another 70 on 12 attempts.

“We really concentrated on our offensive line this week and they delivered,” said Offensive Line Coach Andrew Lisowski said.

Excellent blocking was provided by center Trae Rodriguez, guards Will Rieve and Chance Miller, and tackles Josh Hale and Michael Hoover, added Lisowski.

The defense showed some flare with Daniel Van Tol and Williams providing several tackles for loss. The interior line anchored by Andrew Houry, Daniel Torres, and Andrew Dougans allowed no yards between the tackles.

“We are running the high school’s defense this year, and the players are just starting to really pick it up,” stated Defensive Coordinator John Rodriguez.

Much of the Mavericks’ scoring came due to miscues on the Bulldawgs’ special team where the Mavericks were given excellent field position inside Bulldawg territory on all but one of their scoring drives.

However, the Bulldawg’s special team provided the Bulldawgs’ two other scores with the Cherek returning a punt and a kick off for TDs. Special Team’s Coach Fred Houry pointed out, “Cherek’s touchdowns were the result of excellent execution by all eleven players on the field.”

Both Cherek returns were aided by hard hitting downfield blocking by Van Tol, Jacbob Grybow, and Andrew Duey.

The Bulldawgs are at home with a 1 p.m. matchup with Fallbrook Chiefs on Sept. 12 at Bulldawg Stadium.

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