The Tioga Bulldogs secured their third district win of the season, defeating the Wolfe City Wolves 50-44 on Oct. 31.
The Bulldogs lost their starting quarterback, Greeley McAden, to injury early in the matchup but still found a way to dig out the win and keep the Wolves at bay.
“It was a big-time ending to a big game for us,” said Zach Birdwell, Tioga athletic director and head football coach. “For us to get a win versus a 4-0 district opponent, a team that was projected to win the district, it was a [huge] win for us.”
Wolfe City struck first, finding the end zone on its opening drive with a 12yard touchdown pass from quarterback Noah Adams and taking a 7-0 lead after a successful extra point attempt.
Tioga responded with a score of their own on the ensuing kickoff when Jaxton Dejernett scooped a loose ball on an onside kick attempt, slipped through the Wolves’ kickoff team, and tied the score at 7.
The Bulldogs recovered their own onside kick and took the lead 15-7 when McAden called his own number from 31 yards out, followed by a successful 2-point conversion from receiver Jaxson Hurst.
The Wolves struck again when Adams found receiver Brennon Russell for a 38-yard TD, cutting Tioga’s lead to 2 points after an unsuccessful 2-point attempt.
On the Bulldogs’ next drive, Hurst caught a pass from McAden over the middle of the field and weaved his way through the Wolves’ defense for an 81yard TD, extending Tioga’s lead to 2313 after a successful 2-point run by McAden.
Wolfe City answered with a 15-yard TD pass by Adams, making the score 2319 near the end of the first quarter.
An interception on the Bulldogs’ next possession gave the Wolves a short field, which they used to add a field goal to open the second quarter, making it a 1-point game at 23-22.
Wolfe City running back H.D. Davis put the Wolves back on top 30-23, rumbling through Tioga’s defense for a 59-yard TD run and 2-point conversion.
McAden injured his nonthrowing shoulder on the Bulldogs’ next drive and was replaced by backup quarterback Kyson Kirkland.
The two teams traded punts, but Kirkland helped put Tioga back in front when he connected with Hurst for a 12-yard TD, sending the teams into the half with Tioga leading 31-30.
The two squads continued to trade TDs, finding themselves tied 44-44 with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, when Bulldogs defensive back Justin Arrington picked off a deep shot from Wolfe City and returned it for a touchdown, giving Tioga the lead 50-44.
“When I caught the [ball], I saw a clear open lane on the sideline, and I knew I had to go score,” Arrington said. “I knew the situation in the game and knew some had to step up, and I wanted to help my team win.”
Bulldogs defensive back Wes Wilmon sealed the win for Tioga by picking off Wolfe City’s Hail Mary attempt as the clock expired.
Kirkland finished the night going 10 for 12 on pass attempts and three TDs in relief of McAden.
“I was definitely nervous at first, but I had a sense of confidence that I was built for this, and I could do it,” Kirkland said. “There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that we were going to win the game.”
He also made sure to credit his teammates for his performance in the win.
“Every single lineman blocked their butts off on every play,” Kirkland said. “… I had help from our running backs and receivers; I couldn’t ask for any more with the teammates I have around me. They were every bit a part of the win as I was.”
McAden said he was proud of Kirkland’s performance and the resilience his teammates demonstrated after his injury.
“I don’t really think there’s anybody better to step up in this position because [Kyson] is someone that will never back down from any fight,” he said. “… We faced adversity this season; we’ve learned to overcome it, and that’s helped us mentally, and that was a big part of how our guys stepped up on Friday night.”
