By Larry Tucker
Wood County Monitor
The Quitman Bulldogs rushed for more than 600 yards and handed previously undefeated Eustace its first loss of the season, 66-35, Friday night.
Three Quitman players topped 100 yards rushing as the Bulldogs improved their record heading into a bye week before opening district play against Edgewood Oct. 2 at Bud Moody Field.
Ben Boisclair led the ground game with 197 yards on 27 carries, averaging more than seven yards per attempt. Freshman Jayon Wakefield rushed for 110 yards on 13 carries, while Logan Davis added 114 yards on 14 attempts. Nine Bulldogs carried the ball as Quitman finished with more than 600 rushing yards.
“After losing the last two games, we really needed to get a win under our belt before entering our bye week to prepare for district play. On offense, we really felt like we found our rhythm against Clarksville so we built off that for Eustace. Defensively we played well, but still gave up too many big plays creating a tight game in the first half. We did get enough stops at the right time to open up the big lead in the second half,” head coach Shane Webber said.
Webber said Rafael Samaniegoand Boisclair led the defensive effort against the run. Ty Harkins contributed in the secondary with tackles and an interception.
“The big turning point for us was when we recovered an onside kick to start the second half. That recovery was created by a big hit from Jordan Ingram and recovery by Bradie Fortner,” Webber said.
Webber also credited offensive coordinator Austin Wasson with preparing the game plan.
“Coach Wasson did an incredible job planning this week with over 700 offensive yards in the game with 600 of those yards coming on the ground,” Webber said.
The Bulldogs now have a week off before beginning district play at home against Edgewood.
“Overall it was a great win against a good 3-0 team. Now we can get into our bye week feeling good about where we are at, get healthy, and it gives us two weeks to game plan for a really good Edgewood team,” Webber said.
Quitman hosts Edgewood Oct. 2 at Bud Moody Field.