Sports Editor
In a game that was almost even on the stat sheet, the Wingate Bulldogs were able to gain a significant advantage in one of the most important categories: turnovers.
Aided by four North Greenville turnovers while committing none themselves, the Bulldogs were able to break open what had been a close game in its early stages on the way to a convincing 33-14 victory over the Crusaders on Patriots Day this past Saturday.
For the majority of the first quarter, the two teams traded punts until Wingate quarterback Cody Haffly connected with Delric Ellington along with an extra point by RP Lopez to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead with 1:29 to go in the opening quarter.
The Crusaders had an answer for Wingate, as Montez Hatten scored on a rushing touchdown from two yards out to cap off an eight play, 70-yard journey into the end zone to even the score. Hatten’s touchdown was the first of the season for North Greenville.
Wingate would pull ahead for good on its next possession, as running back Vince Jordan would take the Bulldogs to the promised land with a 22-yard rushing touchdown, his fourth of the season, to give Wingate a 14-7 lead. Jordan has surprised many of the Bulldogs, as he has seemingly came from nowhere, but head coach Joe Reich hasn’t been one of them. "Vince has made a nice transition from being a special teams player to the tailback position. We think he will continue to improve as the season goes on".
The Bulldogs would add to their lead with 3:21 to go until half time as defensive back Tylan Merkerson recovered a fumble made by North Greenville quarterback Aaron Siegler. Merkerson dashed 21 yards for the touchdown, giving the ‘Dogs a 20-7 lead.
Wingate would add another touchdown with 20 seconds to go in the half and would take a 26-7 lead into the intermission.
Neither team lit up the scoreboard in the third quarter, but North Greenville would not go quietly to start the fourth, as quarterback Richard Harb would score on a one yard touchdown run to bring the Crusaders within 12 points with 10:36 left in the game. The Crusaders would get the ball back after a quick three and out by the Bulldogs. They appeared to be knocking on the door until Wingate linebacker Greg Harmon stepped in front of a Harb pass and took it back for a touchdown, sealing win number two for the Bulldogs on the season. "We played well on defense," said Reich. "Anytime you can score two touchdowns off of turnovers you have done a good job. We took advantage of our opportunities."
Punter Phillip Hilliard also had a key role in the win, as he had a 76-yard punt early in the first quarter. "Phillip had a 45-yard average in punts," said Reich. "He has done a good job for us this year." Reich was also satisfied with the performance of his offense. "We made plays on offense early in the game. Overall we were a bit inconsistent but that should improve as we gain experience."
Wingate will make the short ride down U.S. 74 this Saturday to visit UNC Pembroke, whose only loss in 2008 was to the Bulldogs. "This game will be a big test for us," Reich believes. "This is a good chance to get a non-conference challenge from a team that is not only in our region, but in our immediate area. This series has the makings of a rivalry and the guys are feeding from it. They have a similar style of game, so it will be important for us to limit turnovers." Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
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