Bolles Shuts Out Trinity Christian 40-0
By Helene Vickers
The battle of unbeaten teams was definitively settled Tuesday, September 25 as the Bolles Bulldogs (3-0) defeated visiting Trinity Christian (2-1) by a score of 40-0.
Sam Kelley led the defense early on with a quarterback sack and the break-up of a fake punt attempt, stopping the play with another impressive tackle.
Quarterback Cam McCurry began the Bolles scoring barrage with a 33-yard touchdown run on the 'Dogs first possession. Hayden Hurst capped the drive with a successful two-point conversion run to make it 8-0.
A Rob Kelley hit forced a fumble on the Conquerors next series, giving the 'Dogs possession at the Trinity 34-yard line. Three plays later Sam Kelley ran it in for the score and running back Jeremy Wannamaker completed a two-point conversion run to lift the score to 16-0 with 1:40 left in the first quarter.
A Trinity fumble on the ensuing kickoff and group-effort recovery led by Matt Morris and Rob Kelley set up the 'Dogs next series which sputtered at midfield. Speedy defensive play by Sam Kelley, Bernard Hudgins, Wannamaker, and McCurry, among others, defined the second quarter. Defensive drive and speed kept the Conquerors deep in their own territory. With 6:47 remaining in the second quarter, Hurst registered a safety to give the 'Dogs an 18-0 lead.
Bolles first half dominance continued as McCurry handed off to Wannamaker for an 82-yard touchdown run with 6:34 remaining in the half. The 'Dogs failed to convert on the point-after attempt, leaving the score at 24-0.
Strong defensive efforts from Willie MacDade, Charlie Burnett, Sam Kelley, Rob Kelley, and a touchdown-saving stop by Morris kept the Conquerors out of the end zone on their next drive. A Bulldog fumble recovery, assisted by Rob Kelley and Matt Swartz, set the ball up for a 5-yard touchdown run by Wannamaker. Following a successful two-point conversion run by Sam Kelley, the 'Dogs led 32–0 at halftime.
The second half of the game opened up with sustained drives by both teams, but Trinity was stopped by Rob Kelley's interception to set the ball up at the Trinity 24-yard line. Four plays later, Bolles found the end zone on a 20-yard pass from McCurry to Morris. Sam Kelley again sealed the conversion to lift Bolles to 40-0 with 1:28 left in the third quarter.
Drew Steers, Alex Ivano, Zach Montford, and Alex Mercer added to the 'Dogs defense with their awesome team tackling.
Hurst and Colby Peters logged time at quarterback in the waning minutes of the game. David Wilf displayed some great running ability. In all, the effort by Bolles was extremely pleasing to head coach Tom Collins who noted, “This was the battle of the unbeatens and now there's only one undefeated team left. That gives me a lot of pride. This may have been our hardest challenge ever in the 17 years I have been here.” Coach Collins continued, “Our boys were ready to play; they made us earn every point. Our kids' commitment to get to where they are now is incredible. They have the will to do what it takes to be a winner.”