David Brent Martin
Everything was clicking Thursday night for the GMC JC Bulldogs as they toned up their execution on both sides of the ball, routing the Valdosta State JV Blazers 34-7 at a slushy, mushy Davenport Field.
Thursday’s game was delayed 18 minutes due to a lightning threat, and the Bulldogs soon stormed the field and took quick control over an opponent they have beaten consecutively over the last 15 seasons.
The Valdosta JV Blazers brought an aggressive and high-octane passing attack, and showed flashes of “quick-strike” ability throughout the contest. But the pummeling defensive wall that GMC JC presented was fierce and undaunting. Perhaps the most spectacular showing came from the pinpoint play of GMC JC’s secondary that snagged three interceptions in the game. The most notable of these being Antonio Mitchum’s back-breaking pick for a touchdown that gave the Bulldogs a controlling 21-7 lead with 1:08 to go in the first half.
GMC JC would find the end zone first Thursday night when running back Tobias Palmer scampered in from three yards out to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead with 9:57 to go in the first quarter. On the drive, quarterback Chris Hart ran for a key first down on an 11 yard run, and Palmer would explode for a 30 yard burst to give the Bulldogs first and 10 inside the Blazers’ five yard line.
Later in the quarter, the Blazers would make the game interesting by scoring on a pass play to tie the game up at 7-7.
But Hart and the Bulldog offense had more ammo in their arsenal as they flew down the field later in the first. Hart would then find starting tight end Antonio Danzy, who’s still nursing an injured hand, in the back of the end zone for brilliant 37 yard pass play. With 2:31 to go in the first, GMC JC led 14-7.
Mitchum, who is leading the team in sacks this season, had a fantastic day on defense along with Frank Demery and Alex Brown. Demery would snag an interception late in the second quarter to stall a Blazer drive. Damazio Skelton also had a fine defensive showing Thursday, and also picked off an errant Blazer pass.
After Mitchum’s interception for a score, GMC would head into halftime and protect their lead in the second half.
GMC quarterback Tony Guidugli came in during the third quarter and did a good job of managing the clock and putting the Bulldogs in scoring territory. Guidugli also did a great job with his legs, peddling his way for several key third down conversions, and one big fourth and three conversion.
GMC’s fabulous kicker Evan Kay would add a field goal early in the third, and the Bulldogs appeared to be taking control, 24-7.
After another Kay field goal, GMC’s offense would grind out the clock behind the running of Guidugli, Quadrez Reese, Dae Spence and Carlos Ross.
With 1:52 remaining in the game, Ross would take a pitch from Guidugli and punch it in from nine yards for the game’s final points with 1:17 to go.
The Bulldogs, who have appeared down and out several times this season, have again bounced back from a tough loss and have improved their record to 4-3. The team will next challenge Louisburg College for an Alumni Weekend battle a week from Saturday at 2 p.m. at Davenport Field.
