Team effort surges Bulldogs past the Hiltoppers

Bulldogs fans got what they have been wanting and the coaches and players got what they have been working so hard to accomplish - an exciting team effort that earned the Bulldogs their first win of the year defeating Hillsboro 35-21.

Staunton kicked off to Hillsboro The Toppers had made two first downs when a mishandled ball was recovered by Staunton. Five plays later, the Bulldogs had their first TD, Legendre kicked the PAT and Staunton led 7-0.

Still in the first quarter, Hillsboro was able to score on a 4th & goal and kick the PAT making the score 7-7.

The 2nd quarter had lots of excitement but no scoring and the 7-7 score still stood at halftime.

Hillsboro kicked off to start the 3rd quarter. Drake Rose had a great night carrying the ball. He had gained two first downs, the second on a 29 yard run giving Staunton a 1st down at the 15. A Bianco pass to Braden Buffington got Staunton their TD. Legendre got the PAT and Staunton led 14-7.

Still in the 3rd quarter, Hillsboro scored on a 57 yard play but their PAT kick was no good and Staunton still led 14-13.

Early in the 4th quarter, Staunton had possession. Rose had run for a 1st down inside the 30. Bianco ran for 7 yards and Trettenero ran for the 1st down. Several plays later, Rose scored a TD for Staunton. They ran the 2 point PAT and led Hillsboro 22-13.

Following the Staunton kick-off to Hillsboro, a penalty on Staunton gave Hillsboro the ball at midfield. They were in a 3rd and 4 at the 7 when the Toppers scored their TD. They went for the 2 point conversion, closing the score to 22-21 with the Bulldogs still leading by 1.

Hillsboro kicked off to Staunton giving the Bulldogs possession at their own 25. Staunton was able to score another TD and led 28-21. With just 1:38 left in the game, Rose scored another TD, Legendre kicked the PAT and the Bulldogs had their first 35-21 win of the season. Passing: Dalton Bianco completed 6 of 9 passing attempts good for 100 yards, Had 0 intercepted and made 2 TDs.

Receivers were Braden Buffington, 4 for 62 yards and 2 TDs; Drake Rose 2 for 38 yards.

Rushing yards: Trace Trettenero 157, Cody Kapp 11, Dalton Bianco 58, Drake Rose 81; Kick-off Return yards - Nate Oller 31 and B. Buffington 20

Rushing TDs were by Trettenero, 1 and Rose, 2.

Carter Legendre was successful in 3 of 4 PAT attempts. He also handled the kick-offs for Staunton.

Defense - Dylan Jarden and Jordan Snider both had a fumble recovery.

Solo tackles/assists were by: Zane Anderson 2/1, B. Buffington 2/14; Cole Sternickle 4/2 Tom Scroggins 2/3, Jordan Snider 2/3, Tom Campbell 2/1, Drake Rose 1/0; Jesse Baker 1/0, Dylan Jarden 1/1, Sean Fleming 1/1. Assists were by Carson Dugger 1, Henry Roller 1, and Landon Ortega 2.