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ECI 'brings it home from the Dome!'
Red, there was more of this color in the stands than any other. The supporters of ECI, dressed all in red, poured into the stands showing their ECI spirit. As the Bulldog players emerged from the tunnel onto the field, a bomb of cheering went off as the ECI fans shook the dome in excitement. ECI kicked the ball off to the Panthers to start the game. The Bulldogs were not going to let the Panthers keep the ball for long. The ECI defense brought their A-game; and they put so much on Clinch that they forced an early punt by the Panthers. Clinch, however, was not going to just lay down and roll over. They began to put just as much pressure on the Bulldogs. ECI's Michael Robertson made a long pass, but a Panther got in the way, and intercepted it inches from the end-zone. It seemed that both teams were equally matched as the Bulldogs forced another punt by the Panthers as the clock began to run down the first quarter. Using the power house offensive line, and players such as Nick Cross and Washaun Ealey, the Bulldogs were able to move the ball down the field to the 5 yard line. With less than a minute on the clock, Robertson hands the ball to Ealey who made a dash down the side, and around the Panther defense for the first touchdown of the game. Will Hinson made a beautiful kick for the extra point; and the score was 7-0. The clock was running out very fast, and this is when the Panthers proved they were a worthy opponent. Clinch got the ball down around the 45 yard line. With 13 seconds left, the Panthers made a 45 yard run for a touchdown. With a good kick, the score was tied 7-7. The second quarter began, and ECI came out even stronger. Instead of moving the ball long distances, the ECI guys found it more necessary to move the ball a few yards at time, continuing to get a first down. The Bulldogs were drawing in on the end-zone, Nick Cross had the ball and was determined to make it, but the Panthers hit him hard and stopped him at the 7 yard line. Robertson then made a beautiful pass to Wes Wammock who was laying in wait in the end-zone. Will Hinson did not disappoint as he kicked the ball right between the goal the posts. This put ECI ahead 14-7. ECI was not done yet in this half. The Bulldog defense did a great job shutting the Panthers down and forcing another turnover. Once ECI had the ball, they set out for the end-zone again. Even with the Panther defense pushing hard, the ECI boys were able to move the ball very quickly down the field. Robertson passed to Ealey, who with help of his teammates blocking made a 45 yard run for the touchdown. The ECI crowd went crazy, and once Will Hinson made another good kick nothing could be heard but the screams and cheers from the ECI side. Both teams kept fighting, and continuously showed that they both meant business. Time was running out, and the half would soon end with the Bulldogs winning 21-7. In the third quarter it seemed both teams were determined not to let the other score. ECI started off with the ball, and they tried their best to get around the Clinch defense. Soon there was a turnover on downs. ECI did the same to Clinch forcing a turnover. Hit after hit would once again put the Bulldogs in a compromising situation. Being just on the 30 yard line, the Bulldogs did not want the Panthers to have the ball so close to their end-zone. ECI then prepared to punt, but as Will Hinson went to make the kick, a Panther broke the ranks and blocked the ball bringing it back just a few yards away from a Clinch touchdown. A quick play by Clinch brought them to the 1 yard line with 15 seconds left on the clock. The Panthers then powered through for the touchdown and the extra point, now trailing 21- 14. The fourth quarter seemed to be going much like the third. Neither team would have the ball long, that the other would either take or force a turnover. The routine of the ball changing hands grew old for the Bulldogs, and they decided to step it up in a hard way. The Panthers had the ball near the 45 yard line, and Clinch attempts to make a short pass, but ECI's Mark Flott knocked the ball up and recovered it at the 42 yard line. The ECI boys now had a renewed spirit, and were not going to be stopped. While the offensive line crushed the Panther defense, Robertson passed the ball to Ealey who started to run. He ran a 58 yard touchdown with 3:32 left on the clock. Hinson kept up the great job, and the score was 28-14. The Bulldogs' drive had not yet died down, and they were ready to stop the Panthers once and for all. As Clinch attempted to make a complete pass, Arkeem Tarver moved into position. He jumped up to hit the ball, and fell backwards, but still managed to snag the ball before it hit the ground for the interception. Immediately after this, Robertson handed the ball to Ealey. With fire in his eyes, he ran down the field. He was unstoppable as he made a very impressive 80 yard run for the final touchdown. Will Hinson did a great job throughout the game, and he was not about to stop now. With his good kick, the Bulldogs finished up 35-14. Now the ECI Bulldogs will get the chance they have been waiting for, the chance to play for the state championship. They will face off against Wilcox Co. for the final battle. The Bulldogs have done a great job this season so be sure to come and show your support for the fight of the championship. The game will be this Friday night in Rochelle at 8:00.
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