Bulldogs Defeat Modeltowners; Snap Losing Streak

Pete Lawlor

The Rudyard Bulldogs football team snapped a two-game losing streak as Pete Lawlor rushed for more than 200 yards to lead the Bulldogs to a 47-12 non-conference win over the Gwinn Modeltowners Friday, October 5.

"We responded after a disappointing defeat at Rogers City," said Bulldogs Head Coach Pat Maloney, whose team suffered a 30-28 heartbreaker to the Hurons September 28.

James Perry opened the scoring for the Bulldogs (4-3 overall) with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown. Craig Wallis kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game.

The Bulldogs defense set up the second touchdown as Josh McCollum intercepted a Modeltowner pass and McCollum and Arik Hesselink hooked up on a 20-yard scoring strike, for a 13-0 lead.

Rudyard continued to roll offensively as Lawlor dashed 70 yards at the 6:20 mark of the first quarter. Four minutes later, Wallis answered from 15 yards out to build the Bulldogs lead to 25-0.

Lawlor added two touchdowns before halftime on runs of 33 and 72 yard, and Briggs converted one two-point play for a 39-0 halftime advantage.

James Perry

The second half started with the running clock before Wallis rambled 46 yards for a 47-0 lead. Gwinn (0-7 overall) avoided a shutout with two late touchdowns.

Bulldogs offensive stats: Pete Lawlor, eight carries for 215 yards, one reception for 18 yards; Craig Wallis, nine carries for 91 yards; Josh McCollum, two of eight passing for 38 yards; Arik Hesselink, one reception for 20 yards.

Bulldogs defensive stats: Jacob McMillan, nine tackles; Aaron Diepenhorst, C.J. Knutsen, five tackles; Todd Anderson, Josh LaCoursiere, Craig Wallis, Pete Lawlor, Jeff Briggs, Ben Gable, four tackles; Josh McCollum, three tackles, one interception; Justin LaCoursiere, two tackles, one interception.

Rudyard will attempt to qualify for a playoff spot and seek a conference road win against the Cheboygan Chiefs (6-1 overall) Friday, October 12. The Bulldogs will finish out the season at home against the Munising Mustangs (2- 5 overall) Friday, October 19.