Dogs need mistake-free football game to rebound

Bulldog Bites

by TOM PRECHT

The Jennings Bulldogs found themselves in the exact same position they were in entering week seven of the 2011 season. The only difference was the Dogs were at home in their second league game of the year instead of battling the Westlake Rams on the Rams artificial turf. The Dogs entered the contest with a 4-2 overall record and 0-1 in district play. Just like last year, the game was close. Unfortunately, the results were not the same, as the Rams came away with the thrill of victory and the Dogs felt the agony of defeat.

The Bulldogs were not able to capitalize on their opportunities early and the Rams were able to hang around. Jennings did not take advantage of good field position and had to fight the turnover bug. They lost two fumbles in the first half that hurt potential drives. With the game tied at 7 and time running out in the first half, the Dogs converted a short fourth down try. Then they proceeded to score on a pass play in the corner of the endzone with eight seconds left on the clock before the halftime entertainment.

The Bulldogs came out of the dressing room with “Big Mo” in their corner. Just when you thought they would get a big jump on the Rams, the turnover bug reared its ugly head for the second time. Jennings would turn the ball over two more times and that was just too much to overcome. The Rams took advantage of their breaks and the Dogs paid the price.

But, all is not lost. The Dogs still have a lot to play for. I’m hoping their glass is half full and not half empty. I believe the glass is half full. There were good things that came out of the game for the young men to build on. If they keep working hard and believe in themselves and their coaches, they should be fine. They may be out of the race for the district championship, but there are nice things down the road. Playoffs are still on the horizon, but they have to take it one game at time. They cannot get ahead of themselves and look down the road. Week eight and nine will come quick enough.

The Bulldogs will battle a very athletic Crowley Gent team this week. The Maroon Wall will have to be on their toes and try to keep the Gents out of open space where they can make plays. Hopefully the Wall will be able to pressure the quarterback and force him to make some bad decisions and throws. The secondary was able to hijack two Ram missiles last week and have hopes of a repeat performance or better.

The offense has to hold on to the ball and try to play turnover-free football. They need to get their swagger back and control the line of scrimmage. They will also need to have a solid game in the kicking department.

Good teams fight back and overcome adversity. Look for the Dogs to rebound and come away with a victory. If they play Jennings Bulldog football and up to their potential, they should come away with their first district win of the season. After all the glass is half full and will eventually fill up.

Jennings enters the fray with a 4-3 record on the year and 0-2 in district play. Crowley is 2-5 and 1-1.

The Dogs and the Gents first met in 1926 and have played 51 regular season games and two playoff games. They met twice last year with the Dogs winning the regular season district game and the bi-district game. Jennings leads the series 36-16-1.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Crowley Gent Stadium on a rare Thursday night contest. If you can’t make the game, it will be broadcast on KJEF 1290 AM and the web www.cajunradio.net. Airtime is 6:30 p.m.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is the key. Sport pink to show your support for breast cancer research.

The 65-65 reunion-birthday party will be held Oct. 27, at the Jennings Country Club, 7 p.m. All JHS alumni are invited.

Daily News photo by Kelsey Fontenot
Jennings dropped a close contest against Westlake last week but hope to rebound Thursday when they pay a visit to Crowley.

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Posted by Graphic Designer 2 on Oct 17 2012. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.