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ECI makes it through first round! This past Friday night the ECI Bulldogs faced off against the Seminole County Indians for the first round of playoffs. The ECI players were full of excitement, and were ready to take down the Indians. The Bulldogs have had a long standing tradition of not making it past the first round of playoffs, but these new Bulldogs were going to change that. Coach Milan Turner said, "Hats off to my coaching staff and players. I am very proud of the coaches and the kids." Coach Turner has every reason to be proud of his Bulldogs, since they won 49-23. It was a cold night and the stands were packed on both sides, it was a perfect night for football. The Indians kicked off the ball to get it started, and then the Bulldogs really got it started. The kick went all the way back to the end-zone where ECI received it. The ball was handed off to Washaun Ealey who then made an incredible run. His fellow teammates held back the Indians as Ealey fought his way all the way down to the endzone. A 100 yard touchdown within the first 15 seconds of the game. Will Hinson then made an impressive good for a 7-0 lead. The Indians knew they were in for a fight. Now coming on stronger, the Indians started moving down the field, but soon punted. Both teams were coming on strong and the ball was constantly turned over. Finally the ball was back in ECI hands, and no time was wasted. Michael Robertson handed the ball to Ealey, who with the help of the offensive line, was able to run the ball again for a touchdown. Will Hinson made a great kick, and ECI now had a 14-0 lead as they went into the second quarter. The second quarter started and the Indians had the ball. ECI was determined to stop the Seminole's in their tracks, and did just that. With the ball in their possession, the ECI boys set out to do it again. The offensive was hitting hard, the ball was handed to Ealey and he was off. He dodged in and around the Seminole defense, making a 72 yard touchdown. This time they decided to go for two points. It was incredible scene as the offensive line seemed to collapse on top of the defense forcing them to the ground while Ealey, with the ball, launched on top of the pile just crossing the line for the 22-0 lead. The Bulldogs seemed unstoppable. They were making hit after hit, gaining yards after yards. The entire ECI team was doing a great a job, and before they knew it was time for yet another trip to the end-zone. With just less than five minutes on the clock, Robertson passed the ball to Nick Cross. Cross was off like a bullet, running through and all over the Indian defense. He kept running and made a 65 yard touchdown with 4:44 left on the clock. The ball looked like it was on fire as Will Hinson made the kick for the extra point, 29-0. The Bulldogs did a great job holding back the Indians until half-time. It was not going to take long for the third quarter to get going. With the ball in Indian hands, the Bulldog defense forced a fumble, and it was big J.C. Lanier who plowed through to recover it at the 45 yard line. Michael Robertson then gave the ball to Ealey and again the offensive line cleared the way for him as he headed for another touchdown. Will Hinson couldn't miss as his kick, for the extra point was good. ECI was now leading 36-0. The Indians wanted to desperately to gain yards and get a touchdown, but the Dawgs were not quite ready for that. The ball was forced to be turned over when J.C. Lanier and Chad Turner together made a great sac. Moments later, the ball was passed to Washaun Ealey. Ealey showing his confidence in his teammates, headed right for the Indians. Like a bolt of lightening, he took off and 68 yards later he crossed the goal line. Will Hinson was not about to let his team down now, and with his kick the ECI boys were leading 43-0. Indians now had the ball, and came closer than ever to getting that touchdown, but the Bulldogs were going to stop them before they could get it. Another turnover occurred and the ECI boys did not have much time to move down the field. The ball was given to Nick Cross for an impressive 62 yard run to the 6 yard line. Time was quickly running out as another play brought them a few yards closer to the end-zone. Now, there less than a minute on the clock as the ball was passed to Sanquez Lee who was laying in wait in the endzone. It was complete for the touchdown, and a 49-0 lead as the quarter ended. Now it was the Bulldog JV's turn to try the Indians. The Indian Varsity took advantage of the less experienced Bulldogs to gain some points. The younger guys, however, were going to show the Indians that they had some real fight in them. Nonetheless, the Indians made a touchdown within the first couple minutes to put the score at 49-7. The game continued, and before long the young Bulldogs found themselves in a position where they felt better taking a safety than punting the ball. The score was now 49-9. Before the game was over, the Indians would score two more times on the younger Bulldogs, once with only a few seconds left in the game. This, however, did not bother anybody, ECI had enough of a lead, and this gave our upcoming Dawgs some great experience. This game was a great way to start off the playoffs, and the ECI players and coaches have promised to keep working hard to prepare for the next round. The next round for the Bulldogs will be this Friday night at Twin City against Dooly County. Be sure to come out and show the ECI guys how proud their community is of them, whether they win or lose. Kick off will be at 7:30. Be there! Principal Boyd English invites everyone to come out and support the Dogs by wearing red to the game. In the play-offs, the GHSA sets the ticket price and pass regulations. All tickets will be $10 at the gate. There will be no acceptance of any passes other than GHSA coaches' passes. There will be no reserved seats; all tickets are for general admission.
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